Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu believes that India holds a significant advantage over Pakistan in their upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup clash on Sunday. Sidhu, who played 51 Tests and 136 ODIs for India, cited several factors that give India the edge.Firstly, Sidhu highlighted Pakistan's recent loss to the United States in a warm-up match. "Pakistan has lost to the USA. The mental scars will remain," he said. This defeat could have a psychological impact on the Pakistani team, especially considering that the USA is a relatively inexperienced side in international cricket.Secondly, Sidhu pointed out that Pakistan will have to adjust to the conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the match will be played. "Pakistan has not played here yet. Adjusting to this track will not be easy," he said. The pitch at the stadium is known for its undulations, which can make it challenging for batters to score runs consistently.Thirdly, Sidhu believes that the Indian team has a better understanding of the conditions in the United States. "The Indian team has already played two matches here (including the warm-up game), but Pakistan is yet to play here," he said. This familiarity with the pitch and the surrounding environment could give India a slight advantage.However, Sidhu also acknowledged that Pakistan has the potential to upset India on their day. "On their day, Pakistan can beat the best in the world," he said. Pakistan has a talented squad with experienced players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi.Despite these factors, Sidhu remains confident that India will emerge victorious in the highly anticipated clash. "India holds the edge over Pakistan in this match," he said. "The Indian team is more experienced, has a better understanding of the conditions, and has a stronger mental state."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released additional tickets for highly anticipated matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, including the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan on June 9. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, has witnessed an overwhelming demand for tickets, prompting the ICC to make more available."Following a thrilling opening weekend, we are delighted to release additional tickets for key matches," said the ICC in a statement. "This includes a selection of General Admission tickets for the India-Pakistan encounter in New York."The ICC has collaborated with partners to ensure that as many fans as possible can experience the historic event. Additional tickets have also been released for other categories in Texas and Florida, the other two venues hosting matches in the USA."We have worked diligently to make these tickets available and provide fans with the opportunity to witness the world's best cricketers in action," said ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley. "We encourage fans to act quickly to secure their tickets for these unforgettable matches."India will kick off their World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday before facing Pakistan on Sunday, both matches to be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The tournament promises to be a spectacle of cricket, with fans eager to witness the rivalry between India and Pakistan and the skills of the world's top players.

India-Pakistan Rivalry Set to Reignite in T20 World CupThe highly anticipated India-Pakistan rivalry will once again take center stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with the two arch-rivals set to clash on June 9 in New York. The last two T20 World Cup encounters between the two sides have produced contrasting results, with Pakistan emerging victorious by 10 wickets in 2021 and India claiming a four-wicket triumph in 2022.While the India-Pakistan matches always generate immense excitement, former India batter Mohammed Kaif has downplayed the hype surrounding this particular encounter. According to Kaif, Pakistan's team is relatively weak this time around, with only a few match-winners standing out."Pakistan's batting is weak. Fakhar Zaman can be dangerous if he gets going, but other than that, their batters have a strike rate of around 120-125. We're not as concerned about their batting as we are about their bowling," Kaif said.However, Kaif warned India to be wary of Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah, who was a key performer for Pakistan in their previous T20 World Cup meeting."They have Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Naseem Shah is a very good bowler. In the Melbourne match that India won, Naseem Shah's first spell was impressive. He got a nick that was dropped at slip," Kaif added.India Squad:* Rohit Sharma (c)* Hardik Pandya (vc)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Virat Kohli* Suryakumar Yadav* Rishabh Pant (wk)* Sanju Samson (wk)* Shivam Dube* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Yuzvendra Chahal* Arshdeep Singh* Jasprit Bumrah* Mohd. SirajPakistan Squad:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Haris Rauf* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Amir* Mohammad Rizwan* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Shah Afridi* Usman Khan

India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash Sparks Massive Security Operation in New YorkThe highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the group stage of the T20 World Cup on Sunday has prompted an unprecedented security operation in Nassau County, New York. The temporary 34,000-seat stadium in East Meadow is expected to host thousands of passionate fans, leading officials to prepare for an event dubbed the "Super Bowl on steroids."The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most captivating in sports, and the match is projected to attract millions of viewers worldwide. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman acknowledged the significance of the event, stating, "India vs Pakistan is like the Super Bowl on steroids. We had no idea how huge it was. We want to put our best foot forward."To ensure a safe and secure environment, an extraordinary security effort has been implemented. Law enforcement personnel from various levels are collaborating within the county, which is adjacent to New York City. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has also announced enhanced security measures for the World Cup, citing reported threats, including those specifically related to the India-Pakistan fixture.Blakeman expressed confidence in the security arrangements, stating, "I'm very confident that this is a safe environment - if it wasn't, then I wouldn't hold it."The high demand for tickets reflects the intense rivalry and passion surrounding the match. As of Monday afternoon, the least expensive ticket available on the resale website StubHub was priced at $790.The United States is co-hosting the T20 World Cup with the West Indies, with matches also taking place in Texas and Florida. This event is seen as an opportunity for cricket to gain a foothold in the American market and pave the way for its return to the Olympic program in 2028.

The Indian cricket team's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign kicks off on June 05 against Ireland, but the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 09 is already dominating the headlines. The two arch-rivals do not engage in bilateral series, making ICC and ACC events the only platforms where fans can witness their electrifying encounters.Former India pacer S Sreesanth has expressed his views on India's pace-bowling attack, emphasizing the importance of Jasprit Bumrah's role in the upcoming match against Pakistan. Sreesanth believes that Bumrah should open the bowling for India, particularly against Pakistan."It will be crucial to see who bowls the first over. If Arshdeep bowls the first over, who made him struggle, we have seen their weakness before. When they start attacking, if they don't stop the runs, they will knock out a lot of bowlers. I think if we don't get the wickets in the powerplay, the match between Pakistan and India will be very tough. I think on 9th June, India needs to pick a wicket in the first over," said Sreesanth.Sreesanth further added, "I want Bumrah to come first and bowl the first over. We have heard who will take the new ball, but I think if you are watching Bumrah, please finish Rizwan and Babar first."India's pace bowling attack has not been as impressive as expected. Apart from Bumrah, neither Mohammed Siraj nor Arshdeep Singh have been in top form heading into the T20 World Cup. Siraj and Arshdeep had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, raising concerns about their ability to support Bumrah effectively.The first few matches of the T20 World Cup will provide valuable insights into India's bowling capabilities. The team's performance in the powerplay will be crucial, as Sreesanth highlighted. If India can pick up early wickets, it will significantly increase their chances of success against Pakistan.

Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, has acknowledged the immense pressure and hype surrounding the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and adhering to the basics amidst the heightened expectations.India holds a dominant record in T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, having won six out of seven matches. However, Pakistan emerged victorious in the 2021 edition, defeating India by 10 wickets in the 'Super 12' stage.Babar acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan fixture, stating, "There is a different vibe altogether for this fixture, and there's a lot of excitement too not just among players but also among the fans." He advised his team to manage the pressure by focusing on the fundamentals.Reflecting on the 2022 edition, Babar expressed regret over missed opportunities, particularly the defeat against Zimbabwe. He stressed the need for consistent performance against all opponents, regardless of the outcome."Effort is in our hands, but results, we do not know," Babar said. "How we present ourselves on the ground, our body language and how we communicate with each other will matter. We must be positive, so results will come."Pakistan has been a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, reaching six semi-finals in eight editions. They were runners-up in 2007 and 2022, losing to England in the final of the most recent tournament.Babar highlighted the team's collective aspiration to win an ICC tournament. "Lifting the ICC trophy is a different motivation," he said. "You go to a different level and get a lot of praise. So, the motivation, aspiration and dream remains to lift an ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan."

India vs Pakistan: Suresh Raina Backs India to Triumph in T20 World Cup ClashThe highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup on June 9 has ignited immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has expressed his confidence in India's chances of victory, citing the team's strong performance and the leadership of Rohit Sharma.Raina praised Sharma's ability to command respect in the dressing room and his strategic planning. He highlighted India's versatility, with two all-rounders in the squad, giving them a tactical advantage.Recalling his own playing days, Raina emphasized the significance of India-Pakistan matches. He stated that Indian players are determined to give their all and emerge victorious against their arch-rivals."When you are representing your country, you try to give your best," Raina said. "We have retired from the sport, but not from the heart. When you see the tricolour, you feel Jee Jaan lagaadenge lekin inse nahi haarenge [we will give it our all but not lose to them]."India enters the T20 World Cup after a successful IPL season, while Pakistan recently suffered a setback in a T20I series against England. However, Raina believes that India's momentum and Sharma's leadership will prove decisive.The India-Pakistan clash is not merely a sporting event but a symbol of national pride and rivalry. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their supremacy on the global stage.

Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian cricketer, is currently in the United States for the ICC T20 World Cup, and his security has been a top priority for the tournament organizers. The heightened security measures come in response to credible threats from militant organizations.In a video circulating on social media, Kohli can be seen arriving at the ground surrounded by officials and armed guards. The local authorities in and around New York have implemented enhanced security measures, particularly for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Police to increase law enforcement presence, conduct advanced surveillance, and implement thorough screening processes. "Public safety is my top priority," she said. "We are committed to ensuring the Cricket World Cup is a safe, enjoyable experience."During India's warm-up match against Bangladesh in New York, a fan breached security and ran towards captain Rohit Sharma. The fan was quickly apprehended by security officials.India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. They will then face Pakistan and the USA at the same venue before concluding their group stage with a match against Canada in Florida.The United States and the Caribbean islands (West Indies) are co-hosting the tournament, which runs from June 2 to 29.

The highly anticipated first-round clash between archrivals India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup is set to take place on June 9 at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Both teams are considered favorites to advance to the Super 8 stage from Group A, which also includes Ireland.India, led by experienced captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, is aiming to reclaim the title they won at the inaugural tournament in South Africa in 2007. Former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes that India has a strong chance of winning the World Cup, but he cautions that Pakistan will pose a formidable challenge in the Twenty20 format."Our record against Pakistan has been very good over a long period of time," Ganguly said. "In the T20 format, probably Pakistan is more dangerous compared to 50-overs (format). We beat them in Ahmedabad when they came to India and we beat them easily."However, Ganguly emphasized that India must play with freedom and without fear to maximize their chances of success. "Just put all the cobwebs behind. Don't worry about winning or losing. Don't think about winning the World Cup. Just go and play every game," he advised.Ganguly also praised India's talented squad, which includes Kohli, Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sanju Samson. "That's why I say everyone is capable of winning it for India and the only way they will do it is (if they) just play with freedom," he said.Regarding the drop-in pitches that will be used in the USA leg of the World Cup, Ganguly expressed optimism that they will be batting-friendly. "I am very keen to see how the conditions are in the US. (The Nassau County Cricket Stadium is a) new ground, new stadium. I know there have been drop in pitches from Adelaide," he said."The ICC has spent a lot of money to bring in the drop-in pitches to America," he added. "(The) drop-in pitches are normally very good, very batting friendly. And they don't change much over a period of time because they are different from natural pitches. So we are expecting the pitches to be very good."