Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has opened up about the nature of rivalry against Pakistan.
Kumble faced Pakistan numerous times during a career that included 132 Tests and 271 ODI matches.
"In our times, the word was 'lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan'. There was pressure and expectation on the players. That's how the matches between India and Pakistan are being played and the key is to treat it as just another match,” Kumble said on Tuesday.
Earlier, Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan, also echoed similar thoughts regarding India-Pakistan clash.
“It has always been the case of 'Whether or not you win the World Cup, don't lose to Pakistan' (laughs). But winning the World Cup is also important and by god's grace hopefully we will. There's definitely excitement (while playing Pakistan) but also a lot of pressure,” said Dhawan.
“There's definitely a satisfying feeling playing against them when the match ends. Whenever I have played Pakistan, we have won mostly. The intensity on the field is also high, but there's also some light chat with them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, has voiced his aspiration for a renewed and strengthened cricketing relationship between Pakistan and India.
In a media interaction, Zaka expressed his hopes for collaboration between the PCB and India's cricket authority, aiming to bolster the cricketing bond shared by the neighboring nations.
Zaka proposed a groundbreaking "Jinnah-Gandhi" series, drawing parallels to the iconic Ashes series, as a testament to the rich cricket history between the two countries. He said such a series would not only pay homage to their cricketing heritage but also signify the potential for sports diplomacy in fostering positive relations.
India will face Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy during the Asia Cup. They are also likely to lock horns in the Super Four stage of the event.
The arch-rivals will also clash during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad, India, on October 15, however the date of that fixture could be changed.