Difficult to pick winner in Pakistan-India series: Shoaib Malik

Former national team captain says the bilateral series will be a "tough event"

LAHORE: Former national cricket team captain Shoaib Malik has described the upcoming Pakistan-India cricket series as "a tough event" in which both sides will equally be under pressure.

"I don't think that any team would be having an edge (India being the hosts) and pressure will be on both sides and I anticipate close competition in the series," Malik told media on Friday at the Gadaffi stadium.

"This series demands top quality display of qualities from both the sides and we will be seeing a close competition in batting and bowling and the team which plays up to a higher level of performance will win."

When asked who does he consider a favourite in the short series, the former captain said it is difficult to predict the winner as both the teams are good and balanced.

To a question, he said that he is fit and can serve the Pakistan team but it all depends on the selectors to pick the best available players. "I am playing the domestic cricket and it is the best way to remain in full fitness, form and to underline talent and to get the attention of the selectors," he asserted.

Talking about the recent trend which sees members of the national cricket team play in the domestic circuit, the Sialkot Stallions captain said that the Pakistan Cricket Board had taken a wise decision in asking all the top cricketers to feature in domestic matches. "It is the best way to judge the form and performance," he said, before adding that appearance in the domestic matches will also help the players to maintain flow of fitness and form in the series against India.

Malik said the Pakistan-India series is of greater significance for players from both sides and its top performers will gain the status of stars in their respective countries.

"Not only the seniors, juniors will be aiming to demonstrate a special stint of form and talent in their respective departments (batting or bowling),"said the middle order batsman.

Pakistan will play India in India for two twenty20 matches and a one-day-international.

To a question he said his wife Sania Mirza can play tennis as long as she is fit and in good form. "She is enjoying playing tennis and I have no objections, rather I enjoy when she plays," he said. He rejected rumours that the pair were facing some problems or have developed differences between them.

“We both play sports and understand each other’s commitments and there is no question that our marriage is at stake.”