India has the best lower order and that’s a big plus: Inzamam-ul-Haq
India play Pakistan on March 19 in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2016. (Source: File)
Even as a security delegation arrived from Pakistan to assess the security arrangements for their team ahead of the ICC World Twenty20, former skipper Inzamam ul Haq on Monday said they have never felt unsafe in India.
“I believe there are no security concerns. The players also enjoy playing in India. In our 2005 tour here, people treated us so nicely. No one took money when we shopped or ate out,” Inzamam said at Aaj Tak Cricket Salaam conclave.
“We can’t stop others from making statements,” he said when asked about Imran Khan’s suggestions that Pakistan must not play in Dharamsala in the wake of recent developments.
Both Inzamam and Sourav Ganguly, who was also part of the show, felt that India and Pakistan must play against each other regularly.
“It’s unfair if the two countries do not play cricket. It’s bigger than Ashes. There is more following,” Inzamam said.
Ganguly also recalled the good time he spent in the 2004 tour of Pakistan.
“That was one of the best tours. The hospitality was amazing. We want more tours like that,” Ganguly said.
One of the most formidable batsmen of his era, Inzamam said India are way ahead of other teams in T20s due to their much-improved lower-order batting.
“All teams have good top-orders. Australia have, South Africa have. But it is important to have a strong lower order. India has the best lower order and that’s a big plus,” he said.
Inzamam said Pakistan team was struggling because no international team was playing in their country and Pakistani players were not playing in IPL.
“We need cricket in Pakistan and one step is taken with the PSL. Hopefully things will improve very soon.”
Inzamam said Shahid Afridi and Mohammed Amir would be key players for Pakistan in the World T20 while Ganguly picked Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin as important players for India.
Ganguly also praised Mohammed Amir for his “superb performance” after making a comeback to international cricket after serving his ban period.
