Sarfraz Ahmed, the Pakistan skipper, has come out and stated that Pakistan won't be an underdog in the ICC Cricket World Cup in England next year. Against the popular perception. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the fixtures of the marquee event yesterday and the most anticipated game where Pakistan plays India at Old Trafford, Manchester on June 16. 

Sarfraz has been quoted saying about the same as, “The World Cup is important for all teams. Our first match is against the West Indies. The first match is always important, so all our preparations are geared towards that match and the tournament. We are trying to iron out our deficiencies during this period,” 

“Pakistan always go into tournaments as underdogs but I don’t think it will be the same this time because people remember that we have won the Champions Trophy,” 

Sarfraz's reiteration comes after the growing popular opinion, especially after Pakistan lost 5-0 to New Zealand in an ODI series recently, that Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph was an aberration of a result by the unpredictable and mercurial cricket nation.  

Pakistan will be playing West Indies in their opening encounter of the tournament and will play 9 games in total. India will play Pakistan on the 16th June, a game that will now be termed a chance for redemption as India lost to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy last year. 

He further added, “The World Cup is one event in which the world is watching you and everyone is following you. The importance of players is realised during this crunch time. The World Cup gives birth to heroes and superstars,”

(Inputs from The Express Tribune)