It’s a rare occasion when the prelude to an India vs Pakistan clash is shrouded in a veil of uncertainty. The thought of an India-Pakistan fixture in New York is indeed captivating for the spectators, broadcasters, advertisers, sponsors, and almost every stakeholder involved. However, it appears that the International Cricket Council (ICC) may have overlooked the challenges that could arise for the players and teams at an untested venue.
Hosting a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup in a newly constructed ground is highly unconventional, particularly when the venue was completed merely 20 days before the commencement of the tournament. The ICC almost seems to take pride in what they consider a significant achievement. Nevertheless, the consequences of such a rushed initiation are evident. The highest total posted batting first in four games at the venue so far is a meager 137. In the three other matches where teams successfully chased, the targets of 78, 97, and 104 proved to be arduous tasks.
A few days ago, the stakes didn’t seem as high for this much-anticipated encounter. However, Pakistan’s surprising defeat at the hands of the USA has drastically altered the scenario. Pakistan needs to replicate their performance from Dubai in 2021 not only to remain in contention but also to prove their worth. Following their unexpected loss to the co-hosts, the ensuing criticism has been largely negative. This presents Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase their prowess, particularly when they have nothing to lose.
On the flip side, India appears poised and confident in their abilities, especially after their performance against Ireland. With the experience of playing on this particular pitch, India’s team hopes to secure their second victory before facing the two American teams to conclude the group stage.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York is scheduled to commence at 8 PM IST (10:30 AM local time) on Sunday, June 9.
. The toss will take place 30 minutes prior to the match start time. Sports enthusiasts can catch the live broadcast of the game on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, and various other language-specific channels within the Star Sports network, including Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil. For those tuning in via television, the engagement can be accessed free of cost on the DD Sports free-to-air channel.
Additionally, live streaming of the IND vs PAK match will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. Mobile users can access the match for free on Hotstar, ensuring that cricket fans don’t miss out on the live action.
In preparation for the game, the Indian squad announced includes Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, a choice between Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani team, led by Babar Azam, comprises Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, a choice between Shadab Khan or Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf.
In light of the circumstances surrounding the build-up to this high-octane matchup, the anticipation is palpable. The match is set against a backdrop of a newly unveiled stadium, which has already posed significant challenges to teams. This adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement for fans and stakeholders alike.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the clash between these two cricketing giants. With historical rivalries and the current stakes at an all-time high, this encounter promises to be a thrilling chapter in T20 World Cup history.
As the players step onto an uncharted pitch, they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of fans. Both teams know that their performance will not only be a battle for victory but also a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of new challenges. Whether India will assert their dominance or Pakistan will stage a remarkable comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
