Asia Cup 2016: All Eyes on Mohammad Amir as India Clash With Pakistan
The India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2016 on Saturday will also serve as a precursor to the two teams' opening round battle in the ICC World Twenty20, next month.
India renew their rivalry with Pakistan when the two teams clash in the Asia Cup 2016 on Saturday with rehabilitated pacer Mohammad Amir being the focus of attention. (Kohli Happy With Mohammad Amir's Return to the Pakistan Side)
The match will also serve as a precursor to the two teams' opening round battle in the ICC World Twenty20, next month. (Kohli Asserts His Dominance Over Pakistan in T20s)
The Indo-Pak cricket contests over the years have carried a legacy, not to forget the political undercurrents involved whenever the two bitter neighbours square off on the 22 yards.
But the most exciting aspect will be whether the tainted Amir gets to play in the XI.
Back after serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing, Amir has started playing for the national team since the tour of New Zealand and the immensely talented pacer will certainly come out all guns blazing against the Indian batsmen.
Virat Kohli has already welcomed Amir's return but not much is known as to what other Indian players, including skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, think about the convicted spot-fixer's inclusion.
In India, the BCCI has taken a zero tolerance approach imposing life bans on players like S Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, Ajit Chandila, who have no hopes of returning to competitive cricket.
For Amir, though, a good performance against India will probably help him gain some credibility not only in the dressing room but also among the cricket-loving public in Pakistan.
In terms of preparation, both teams are suitably ready considering the amount of Twenty20 cricket they have played in the past one month.
India have kicked off their World T20 preparations in style, winning six out of the seven games played so far. Pakistan cricketers, on the other hand, are coming straight after playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which keeps them well prepared.
Traditionally, India have never lost to Pakistan in ICC events but it has not been the case in the continental event where Shahid Afridi and co have performed well.