Sports

'It'll Be Make Or Break For Some'

The Pakistan captain on what could be the most important tour of his life

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'It'll Be Make Or Break For Some'
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The gentle giant is one of the greatest batsmen the subcontinent has produced, and is also perhaps the most popular Pakistani player in India. On the eve of what could be the most important tour of his life, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq spoke to Waheed Khan. Excerpts:
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On rival captain Saurav Ganguly
I rate him as a very inspirational leader of men. He has made the Indian players realise they can beat anyone in the world. As a captain, he has earned his team's respect because he also has this knack of backing good players in the face of opposition.

On the Indian team
It's now very experienced. India today does not depend on one or two players—as a team they have started to win matches abroad—the sign of a confident outfit. The emergence of some good young pace bowlers has also boosted their strength. India has achieved positive results in recent times. I don't see why they can't continue in the same manner despite their recent slump in form.

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On his team
We can provide stiff competition if we have learnt from the mistakes made in Australia. But India has always had an advantage at home as they know the conditions well and know how to win. What gives me a lot of hope for this tour is that at the end of our Australian tour the younger players had started to display more confidence and form. If they can carry the experience of what they learnt there, we can do very well.

The key to beating India in India Make as few mistakes as possible.
The pressures of an Indo-Pak contest The pressure has always been there; whenever Pakistan and India play it is a make-or-break series for players on both sides. Historically you look at the matches and you'll understand what I am trying to say. Indo-Pak matches are special; they give players the opportunity to become overnight heroes or villains. After the tour, Pakistan will have at least 2-3 players who'll serve the team for a long time—or you might see the end of some promising careers.

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On the fans on both sides
What was pleasing to me (on the 2004 series) was that there was no radical outpouring of emotions from people even when we lost the series. I think it was a catalyst for people to accept that even when India and Pakistan play each other, one team has to lose and the one that plays better cricket wins. Last time (1999), the security was very heavy. Hopefully this time, just as the Indians did last year in Pakistan, we will also be able to see more of India.

Cricket's larger role
Look, cricket is a binding and unifying force in India as it is in Pakistan. You can certainly achieve a lot through it.

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