Pressure will be on India: Pakistan’s hockey captain

KARACHI: Pakistan’s hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf believes that the team’s recent record against India makes them favourites to win their opening match of the World Cup on February 28 in New Delhi.

Zeeshan, a seasoned defender, said his boys were itching to take the field against India.

“We have beaten India in our last three clashes in the recent past and this record will put extra pressure on them,” Pakistan skipper said.

Zeeshan’s comments were echoed by Rehan Butt, one of Pakistan’s most experienced strikers who has a knack of scoring goals against India.

Butt said Pakistan will use its match against India as a launching pad to take on higher-ranked teams like Australia.

“It’s good to have this match early because it can help us get into rhythm before we play other tougher teams,” Butt said on Saturday.

“Our recent performances have been good too,” said the prolific striker.

Pakistan made the cut for the World Cup by winning a qualifying tournament in France in November. But there is still a question mark over their participation in the New Delhi event as the Pakistani government is yet to clear the team to play in the 12-team competition.

There have been calls from various quarters for a boycott of the event after the Indian Premier League (IPL) ignored Pakistani cricketers for its third season to be held March-April.