'If we win against India and loose...' - Shadab Khan expresses thoughts on playing against India in ODI World Cup 2023

The dates for the eagerly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023 are finally over with the Apex cricket council announcing the fixtures earlier this week. Also, the fans are excited for the epic battle of India against their arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.  The venue will also be hosting the opening game of the tournament which will be played between the defending champions England and the runner’s up from the 2019 edition of the World Cup, New Zealand.

Citing this high-voltage encounter with the Indian Team, Shadab Khan, the star all-rounder for Pakistan, thinks that the national team should prioritize winning the World Cup over just defeating India at the upcoming big tournament hosted by the bitter rivals. The ace leg-spinner did not hesitate to acknowledge that there is always pressure if Pakistan and India play because it is the biggest match in cricket.

He added that he would prioritize the trophy over a specific team since, even if Pakistan defeated India, they would still lose the World Cup. The 24-year-old further went on to state that losing against India would not mean that much if Pakistan ended up winning the World Cup.

"Playing against India comes with a different sense of joy. The pressure overall is also different. Now when we have to go there, it will be their home ground - the crowd will be against us. In my opinion, even if we lose from India but end up winning the World Cup, it's a win-win because that is our main aim," the leg spinner added.

Pakistan’s record against the Indian Team in the 50-over World Cup isn’t something to cherish for the Pakistani fans or the players as Pakistan hasn’t been able to defeat the Indian team. Also, the previous time when India hosted the World Cup in their backyards back in the year 2011, then they went on to defeat the Pakistan team in the Semi Final of the World Cup 2011 in Mohali.