India hold edge over Pakistan in T20 World Cup, says Inzy

Pakistan's record against India in World Cups is dismal to say the least. The Men in Blue hold a 6-0 advantage in the 50-over format and are 4-0 in the Twenty20 version against the Men in Green.
The two countries are scheduled to meet again next year in the T20 World Cup to be played in India and Inzamam-ul-Haq feels the hosts have the edge.
"Pakistan have entered every World Cup with the hope of breaking that jinx (beating India)," Inzy, the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, told the Khaleej Times on Saturday.
"Both teams are good and the competition will be tough. But India hold the edge here as they haven't lost to Pakistan yet in a World Cup match and this barrier Pakistan will have to break," added the former Pakistan skipper, who with 8,830 runs in 120 Tests and 11,739 runs from 378 ODIs, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Pakistani batsmen ever.
Like most optimists Inzy is also of the view that there should be more bilateral cricket played between the two countries.
"I remember when the Indian team toured Pakistan some 15 years ago, that time, I was the captain. Those who travelled from India to Pakistan were received with a warm welcome, and whichever hotel they stayed in or ate at, people didn't take money from them.
"Then when we toured India and the Pakistani fans that travelled to India received a similar treatment. So you see there is so much love between the people, so if the two countries don't play then it's a loss to cricket and to both the countries.
"Now Pakistan will be touring India for the T20 World Cup. I believe if that can happen then a series can also be played," he asserted.
In a bid to put up a better show in their buildup to the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan have appointed Manoj Prabhakar, India's former medium pacer, as their bowling coach and Inzy was more than happy to welcome him onboard.
"Prabhakar will be an asset to the team. He's an old hand and was a class and shrewd player of his time. I'm sure his inputs will be very valuable, the Afghanistan bowlers will learn a lot from him on how to play in Indian conditions," he felt.
Prabhakar has 250 international wickets from 39 Tests and 130 ODIs. When asked about Mohammad Amir's inclusion in the national camp following a spot-fixing ban, Inzy said: "It's a very good thing to happen to Pakistan cricket. He did well in the Bangladesh Premier League and if he can come up with similar performances for the Pakistan team in the future, it will be great."
clareto@khaleejtimes.com