The main action for the T20 World Cup kicks off in the UAE from tomorrow. The event has been delayed by over a year due to the coronavirus pandemic as it shifted from Australia and India and finally cricket fans can waive a sigh of relief.
The first stage to qualify for the main event is being held in Muscat, Oman before the action shifts to Dubai. The next T20 World Cup will be held in Australia the following year which means the winners will have a short reign. Defending champions West Indies will open the event against Australia to kick-off the action.
However, the biggest clash will be between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on Sunday. Pakistan is determined to face the behemoth after its preparations were interrupted as New Zealand and England cancelled tours. The national team has made several changes leading to the high-octane match and is expected to give the Indian side a run for the money.
Cricket tensions have been heightened between India and Pakistan ahead of their anticipated clash. The rivalry between the neighbours often clouds cricket encounters. India has refused to play bilateral series against Pakistan for several years and both sides only meet in international tournaments. The last encounter was over two years ago and now fans are eager to see the battle on the cricket field.
There is arguably no sports rivalry close to the one between India and Pakistan. Many Indian ministers have called for boycotting the match but the nation has a contractual obligation. Indian captain Virat Kohli has downplayed the significance of the match. The only disadvantage for Pakistan is that history is not on their side as it has not defeated India in a World Cup match. But skipper Babar Azam is determined to push the past aside and is confident of winning the match.
The main rivalry has overshadowed other events in the tournament. Pakistan’s clash with New Zealand is also anticipated after the Kiwis unilaterally called off its tour. Pakistan’s cricket team is used to the condition in UAE where it played for years and will now need to adapt themselves. Cricket should be not intertwined with politics. Only the team which plays better cricket will emerge victorious.
