‘Match against India is always a big match’

Umar Gul says the team is ready to face India in the upcoming clash at the World Cup semi-final in Mohali.


Express March 28, 2011

MOHALI: Pakistani fast bowler Umar Gul on Monday said that the team was ready to face India in the upcoming clash at the World Cup semi-final.

Addressing a press conference in Mohali, Gul said that that cricket is a sport that is enjoyed by both countries and people on both sides of the border want India and Pakistan to play against each other.

“The more we play against each other, the better the relations will be between both countries,” said Gul.

Responding to a question by the Indian press, Gul said that the Pakistan side had reviewed the pitch at Mohali, adding that he hoped the pitch is one that supports his bowling attack.

Gul also clarified that there was no conflict between the management and Shoaib Akhtar and that the Rawalpindi Express was training hard for the match.

The bowler said that both India and Pakistan have pressure on them adding that the team is receiving a lot of support from fans back home.

“No doubt the batting line up is strong but our bowling is doing very well as well. I am happy with my performance,” said Gul in a reply to another question regarding the strength of the Indian team.

Gul added that the morale of the batsmen had also been boosted in the quarter-final against West Indies.

“Match against India is always a big match,” said the Pakistani attack bowler.

He also informed that that he has received immense help from having two great bowlers, Waqar Younis and Aqib Javed, as coaches in the team.

To a question about the recent scandals that Pakistan had to face, Gul said “We have been under pressure due to scandals for the past five weeks, but we beat New Zealand in New Zealand and have been doing well.”

He said the most important factor in the team’s performance is the environment of the dressing room. “The main thing is unity,” he said adding that before every match, all the players make it a point to support each other.

COMMENTS (17)

norman | 12 years ago | Reply hahahahaaa, see who were suffering from pressure?? who rocked yesterday??, open your eyes widely, why no pakis here??
Kinzah Raffat | 13 years ago | Reply Im sorely disappointed by the comments from both sides... My advice to India...Please try to be reasonable and learn to be better sport. Pakistan just didn't land in to this match..They won it fair and square no need to sulk..With the kind of backing ur team has its more than expected on them to perform the way they are..Have some faith and drop the pressure...honestly, you guys are doing no good to your team with this pressure as if they dnt know what they are up against..who doesn't like winning? and this goes for us across the border as well. And Pakistan...same goes for you..at the end of the day its just a game....no point in being a sore loser...And winning owing largely due to a technicality is as bad as losing in my books..ur victories should be the culmination of your endeavors...Do your best and the rewards will be high but expecting to have miracles happen is a tad bit pushing it....We are ever so proud of our men in Green with or without them winning the rest of the tournament.
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