Malik will be crucial against India, says Irfan Pathan

Former India pacer believes veteran is the main man for Pakistan on Sunday

KARACHI: Former India pacer Irfan Pathan believes Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik can play an important role in the match against India in their ICC Champions Trophy clash on Sunday at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Malik, who will be taking part in his sixth Champions Trophy event, and is the only player from the country to achieve this feat, is in excellent form of late for the Men in Green and has played some crucial knocks since returning to the national side after the 2015 World Cup.

Irfan believes that Malik’s experience will be of paramount importance in the all-important clash. “The role of someone as experienced as Malik is extremely important in such matches,” said Irfan, while talking to The Express Tribune. “As a senior, he needs to not only perform well but also help youngsters cope with the pressure as well.”

‘India are clear favourites’

Once the world’s best left-arm swing bowler, Irfan believes the Men in Blue are in better shape for the tournament’s most anticipated clash.

“Even as a neutral, I have to say that India will definitely start as the favourites,” he said. “All the Indian players just took part in the Indian Premier League and I think they are in ideal condition for white-ball cricket.”

Irfan also said the players at Kohli’s disposal are superior to the ones in Sarfraz’s ranks. “If you see the kind of players both teams have, I don't think there is any doubt that this Indian side has a far better lot than Pakistan,” he said. “But rest assured, in such big matches, any player can turn things around and whoever plays better on the day, wins the match.”

The 32-year-old Irfan, who played in 23 matches between the two sides, claimed the rivalry between the two countries is the biggest in sports.

“It is a special match, and it will always be special because it is the biggest rivalry in the world,” said Irfan. “It is certainly bigger than the Ashes. I had the privilege of playing some of those matches and I can tell you that the atmosphere is unmatchable. Whoever wins on June 4, one thing is for sure that it will be a fantastic game of cricket.”

Irfan — who represented India in 120 ODIs, where he claimed 173 wickets and scored 1,544 runs — is of the idea that the relative inexperience and youth of the two skippers will help provide a great spectacle for the audience.

“I haven’t gotten much of a chance to watch Sarfraz since I only saw him playing in the England series but he seemed quite aggressive, which is just great for the game,” he said. “Even with Kohli, the best thing about him is that he is aggressive from the get-go; players are willing to give everything for such a captain. It will be a fascinating contest.”

Irfan also feels Indian captain Kohli will play a key role in the contest as a batsman. “Virat is definitely one player who will play a big part from the Indian side, not only because he has an amazing record against Pakistan, but because he has the ability to make himself count on these big occasions.”

Irfan — part of the India team that lost to Pakistan in 2004 at the same venue despite impressing with figures of 3-34 —believes Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will benefit from the conditions. “From the bowlers, I think if anyone will benefit from the conditions in Birmingham then it will be Bhuvi,” he said. “He is swinging the ball brilliantly and is taking wickets at will at the moment.”

Irfan hails Younus, Misbah

Irfan, who represented India in 29 Tests, also paid tribute to recently retired legends Younus Khan and Misbahul Haq. “I want to congratulate both Younus and Misbah on their fantastic career,” he added. “Both played the game with great integrity and produced outstanding performances for Pakistan.”