Pakistan Aims for Redemption at World Cup, says Mickey Arthur

Mickey Arthur doesn't know whether India-Pak cricket relations can lessen the border tension between the two close neighbors, but Pakistan's director of cricket is certain to know what the team's objective is: to finish what the 2019 World Cup left incomplete.

Pakistan earned only five victories in its first nine games, failing to go past the quarterfinals in the last World Cup. However, Arthur asserted that he had faith in his team to succeed in a press conference prior to their first game of the current season.

"First of all, it's great that the lads enjoy their time in India and have integrated themselves into the culture. A World Cup always carries a lot of strain. However, I believe that our players are in a great position, and part of what appeals to me about this team is that it is very similar to the one we had in 2019—it's almost like unfinished business.

"I thought we were very, very close in 2019." These once-young lads are now men. They have a lot of experience now. They have gained four more years of experience.

And we have the best win-loss record in ODIs over those four years. Therefore, these people are prepared for whatever that will be presented to them throughout this competition, Arthur asserted with assurance.

The South African said when asked about the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on October 14: "I believe first and foremost, it's going to be an incredible show. These are always amazing games. We are playing excellent cricket, just like India is.

"I simply believe that the game will be fantastic. I personally can't wait for it. So that we don't go too far ahead of ourselves, perhaps we'll have two victories under our belts before we travel to Ahmedabad.

But there is one date in my calendar that I am looking forward to. Simply put, I think the game is going to be excellent.

When questioned about the political component of the game, he however raised his arms. I'm sorry, but I can't discuss how the governments work together. I can only speak about the mutual respect between the players on both teams since I have personally witnessed it.

"So far in India, we've received a fantastic reaction. We should also receive that around our games, I'm rather certain.

"I believe there is some mystique. Cricket is incredibly popular in India. The likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan are not frequently seen by them.

"So, I believe that will contribute to the attraction. I'm not qualified to comment about anything that happens outside because it is above my pay grade, Arthur stated.