Islamabad, Sept 8 (IBNS): Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik on Saturday called the high-voltage Asia Cup clash against Pakistan as "just another game."
"I think that the match against India is just another game and we should avoid creating hype as it adds unnecessary pressure," Malik was quoted as saying by ICC website.
"This is perhaps the only cricket match that the entire cricket fraternity watches and not only India and Pakistan fans, which is why it provides a massive opportunity to players if they want to become a hero," he said.
Malik said Dubai will provide an extra advantage to his side.
"Playing in UAE gives us an advantage but it is not as easy as people think it is,” said Malik. “If you notice our track record here, it is better in Test cricket but when it comes to playing the shorter formats our performances aren’t extraordinary."
"People need to understand that batting under lights here is difficult as conditions are different but that does not mean there isn’t room for improvement. We will continue working to improve in this particular area," he said.
The tournament will be played in the UAE this month.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and one more team from the qualifiers will play the tournament.
Pakistan, India and the qualifying team have been placed in Group A.
India and Pakistan will face each other on Sept 19 in Dubai.
This is the first time the two teams will face each other since the ICC Champions Trophy Final in 2017.
Pakistan defeated India to win the trophy.
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