ICC T20 World Cup: Ex-Pakistan Captain Inzamam ul Haq Allays Security Fears in India
Pakistan cricketers enjoy playing in India, said Inzamam ul Haq. He was speaking on the security fears raised by the country's officials regarding playing India in a World Twenty20 match in Dharamsala on March 19
Even as a Pakistan security delegation arrived in India to assess security arrangements for their team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, former skipper Inzamam ul Haq on Monday said they have never felt unsafe in India. (World Twenty20: Pakistan to Assess Security Measures in India Before Agreeing to Play)
"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 on Monday. (World Twenty20: Paramilitary Will be Provided For India-Pakistan Match in Dharamsala, Says Rajnath Singh)
"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. (World Twenty20: Don't Play Against India in Dharamsala, Ehsan Mani Tells Pakistan Cricket Board)
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.
Sourav Ganguly supports Inzamam
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 Indian Premier League.
"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.