This team can do wonders, and it would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India: Imam-ul-Haq

Despite the ongoing debate surrounding Pakistan's participation in the upcoming World Cup hosted by India, opener Imam-ul-Haq expressed his desire to lift the trophy in India. The Pakistani cricketer feels that the current crop of players are capable of doing 'special' things in the 50-over format.

A high-voltage encounter is expected when India hosts arch-rivals Pakistan for their epic World Cup clash on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Star Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq revealed that playing against India in their home conditions is a special occasion, something he had discussed with his skipper Babar Azam in 2010. 

Although the 27-year-old batter revealed that there is a bit of nervousness ahead of the global event later this year, the Men in Green are capable of lifting the elusive trophy in their neighbouring country. Pakistan plays the two qualifying teams in their first two fixtures of the World Cup 2023.

“Playing in India, especially against India and doing something special (was something) that Babar and I were discussing before 2010. I really believe our one-day team is the most compatible and balanced team. So yes, everybody is excited. A bit nervous as well, I won’t lie. This team can do wonders, and it would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India,” Imam said during a chat with Pakistan’s YouTube channel Grassroots Cricket.

🗣️ "This team can do wonders" – @ImamUlHaq12 talks about the desire to win the 2023 World Cup 🇵🇰 🏆

Watch full interview: https://t.co/gJ9HPGJwzL#CWC23 | #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/lXgTDTPHTY

— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) June 30, 2023

I’m much older, much more mature now: Imam

Talking about his personal growth, the southpaw reckoned he was 'much more mature' now after his time in the 2019 World Cup in England. He felt that Pakistan have got a formidable white-ball squad and are capable of going toe to toe with the powerhouses of cricket. 

"The combination is similar to 2019. Whenever you give opportunities to players, performances will come. We have chased 350 here (in Pakistan), we’ve scored 330 in South Africa, we won the series there. Yes, I really believe it. If I ask myself, if I see in the mirror, Imam-ul-Haq is very different from 2019 to 2023. I’m much older, much more mature,” he added.