KOLKATA (Staff Report) – Legendary cricketer Imran Khan has reached India to attend the Pak-India clash in World Twenty20 at Eden Garden, Kolkata.
Imran, who accompanied his once most trustworthy striker Wasim Akram, is much more than a spectator.
Imran Khan also met players and officials of the Pakistan team ahead of the Saturday’s match.
Pictures released by Imran Khan’s social media team showed the former skipper talking to the players, head coach and manager of the Pakistani team at a hotel in Kolkata.
Sources said Khan advised the squad to play fearlessly against India in Eden Gardens.
Imran Khan giving tips to TeamGreen in Kolkata. عمران خان نے پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے ساتھ وقت گزار اور انہیں مشورے دیے.
Posted by Imran Khan (official) on Saturday, March 19, 2016
Sources said Umar Akmal requested Khan to ask the coach and captain to allow him to bat on top order.
After reaching India, the former skipper, who won World Cup for Pakistan in 1992, provided captain Shahid Afridi with “experience-based tips” to rally Pakistan, who have a history of underperforming against India in big games.
Pak-India Match: Imran Khan to run live commentary
“Shahid Afridi had sought my advice on Pakistan’s match against India. I don’t know what exactly Pakistan team’s grey areas are, but I will try to give them suggestions in the light of my own experience,” Imran told reporters at his Bani Gala residence before leaving for India on Friday.
“I’ll suggest the players against succumbing to any pressure.”
An upbeat Pakistan come into the match after thrashing Bangladesh, but will have to overcome their World Cup jinx against India.
Pakistan have never won a World Cup encounter against their arch rivals in six 50-over meetings and four T20 clashes.
