Asia Cup 2018: It's just another game of cricket, says Shoaib Malik on India-Pakistan clash

India and Pakistan will be up against each other on September 19.

Shoaib Malik | Getty

Having made his International debut in 1999, Shoaib Malik is experienced enough by now to not let the emotional narrative, that goes around big matches, to his head. 

Malik has said that he is not looking at India versus Pakistan Asia Cup clash as something to be stressed about and take the extra pressure, instead has urged his teammates too, to look at the game as just another cricket match and think clearly. 

Speaking to the reporters ahead of Pakistan's departure for the tournament in UAE, Malik, who has been a part of 39 India-Pakistan ODIs, was quoted saying, “The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup is just another game for me, If you think too much about the India-Pakistan game then you create pressure for yourself. I would say that we should consider this just another game and would say the same to my team-mates."

Although, Malik wasn't short of encouragement and motivational words for the Pakistan squad. He wants Pakistan to put their best game out when up against India on September 19. 

“This is the kind of a game which is watched with great interest in India, Pakistan and abroad. This is a big opportunity for players as the one who performs in such a game becomes a hero,” Malik said. 

While India and Pakistan are in the same group alongside Hong Kong and have a confirmed encounter on September 19, there is a strong likelihood that the arch-rivals will be up against each other thrice in the tournament which sees it's final on September 28. 

(Inputs from Cricket Country)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 07 Sep, 2018

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