Every day is a new day says Inzamam acknowledging Pakistan’s dismal record against India in big events

After getting a green signal by the BCCI for India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, all eyes are on the June 4 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. India announced their squad of 15 who will travel to India to defend their title, which they won four years ago.

Pakistan, who announced their squad in April, are set to attend a training camp in Birmingham before they play two practice games against Bangladesh and Australia on May 27 and May 29 respectively. Inzamam Ul Haq, the chief selector of Pakistan, will also attend the training camp in Birmingham to watch the preparations closely. He himself has appeared in umpteen numbers of clashes between both countries and is aware of Pakistan’s dismal record against India in ICC events.

Pakistan, after the India encounter, will take on South Africa and Sri Lanka on June 7 and June 12 respectively which makes the India game crucial for their qualification for the semi-finals, something which Inzamam highlighted.

“We don’t have a great record against India in major events but every day is a new day and I am sure the players will perform well in the first match. The June 4 game is very important for us, not only because it is against India, but also because it will go a long way in helping us qualify for the semi-finals. Our team is quite balanced and has a nice blend of youthful exuberance and experience,” Inzamam was quoted by Express Tribune.

8 out of the selected 15 members for this tournament are busy playing the Test series in the West Indies and will directly fly to Birmingham on the conclusion of the third Test which ends on May 14.

The rest 7 – Mohammed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Imad Waseem, Junaid Khan, Fakhar Zaman and Fahim Ashraf – are asked to report at the National Cricket Academy in Pakistan for a camp after which they will fly to Birmingham.

Pakistan does not enjoy playing in England as their record in the country is pretty average. The 10-day camp at Birmingham followed by the practice games will give their players time to get acclimatized to the English conditions.

“The 10-day camp in Birmingham will be an opportunity for the team to regroup after a break. The boys will get the opportunity to adjust to the weather as well. Playing in English conditions has always proven tough for us, but I am optimistic that we will be able to do well there. I am planning to visit the side during the camp as well since I would be unable to go for the event due to Ramazan,” Inzamam said.

This tournament is also crucial for Pakistan’s direct qualification to the ICC World Cup in 2019. They need to be in the top-eight ranked team before the cut-off date in September this year and for that they need to put up a good show in this tournament.