Lahore: Haris Rauf, a Pakistani paceman, expressed a confident outlook on the eve of the national team's departure for India, boldly predicting that Pakistan would reach the final of the ICC World Cup.
Addressing a press conference arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board before the squad's departure to India via Dubai, Haris confidently stated, "I don't know which teams will be in the World Cup semi-finals, but I see Pakistan in the final."
Two other members of the World Cup squad, Abdullah Shafique and Salman Ali Agha, also held separate press conferences. It's worth noting that the PCB had originally announced that Imam-ul-Haq, Hasan Ali, Haris, and Salman would address the press, but only Haris, Abdullah, and Salman were present due to a delay caused by the ICC's World Cup promotional campaign shoot.
Haris acknowledged that the World Cup would present different playing conditions at various venues in India but emphasized that "nothing is a big change as far as cricket is concerned" since it's all white-ball cricket.
He mentioned that the team management would adapt their plans accordingly after assessing the conditions in India. Haris explained that he hadn't set any individual targets for the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. He expressed confidence in Hasan Ali's performance, considering him an experienced bowler who had played alongside the current Pakistani pace attack.
Addressing concerns about Pakistani bowlers' performance in big matches, Haris pointed out that in cricket, performance can vary from day to day. Abdullah, the third opener in the squad, expressed his readiness to give his best if given the chance to play, stressing that team selection was not within his control.
Salman discussed the need for Pakistan to move past their disappointing performance in the Asia Cup and focus on the World Cup. He acknowledged the dream come true of participating in a World Cup and emphasized the importance of both batting and bowling during the middle overs in the tournament. Salman also acknowledged the extra pressure that comes with playing in India but pledged to manage it for better performance.