T20 World Cup 2021: Pakistan's interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq wants an Indo-Pak final clash

The long-run jinx was finally broken this year as Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in their first match in T20 World Cup 2021. Before this clash, the head-to-head record between the arch-rivals in World Cup events was 12-0. However, the Babar Azam-led side put up a clinical show in Dubai and scripted history against the Men in Blue.

While India and Pakistan aren’t scheduled to meet anymore in the group stages of the competition, Pakistan’s interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq wants an Indo-Pak clash in the finals. With the tantalizing wait of several Pakistan supporters coming to an end, Mushtaq was delighted with his side’s performance. However, the legendary off-spinner had another huge takeaway from the high-voltage game.

Following the conclusion of the game, several Indian and Pakistan players were spotted conversing with each other. Mohammad Rizwan hugged Virat Kohli after the game and also had a fun chat with Team India mentor MS Dhoni. For Mushtaq, these were the moments to savour from the game as he wants the two nations to have friendly relations.

Saqlain Mushtaq wants insaniyat and mohabbat between India and Pakistan

“Whatever happened in the last match, be it Virat Kohli, Dhoni hugging our players, it was great for world cricket. Keeping aside India versus Pakistan clash, the best thing, for me, from the match was that it was a win for insaniyat and mohabbat,” Saqlain said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan’s third match of the group stage against Afghanistan on Friday.

Speaking of the big picture, Mushtaq said he wants to see India and Pakistan battling it out in the summit clash. “And if India and Pakistan qualify for the final together then the ICC, and the entire world cricket will have some fun. It will be good for cricket because they are our neighbouring country. If we both play then it will be good for our relationship as well,” he said.

Having defeated India and New Zealand in their first two fixtures, Pakistan have virtually sealed a place in the semi-finals as the other teams in the group aren’t that formidable. On the other hand, India’s upcoming match against the Kiwis is a must-win and it would be interesting to see how they bounce back.

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