ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will launch their ICC World Twenty20 title defense against Bangladesh in St Lucia on May 1 and stylish opener Salman Butt is taking the whole thing in his stride.
“I think everything has its advantages and disadvantages and when it comes to us arriving at the tournament as current holders of the World Twenty20 title, it’s the same deal. There’s no reason why we can’t win it again. I think we’re in a tough group with Bangladesh and Australia. Australia is a good team and Bangladesh is a very good emerging side. Bangladesh has done very well recently, especially in the shortest format of the game in which no team is a clear favorite.” APP quoted Salman as stating in a local daily.
The 25-year-old from Lahore said the playing conditions will not be a big factor in deciding the outcome of the games. “It does matter at times but in this format, I think there is not much the conditions can do. Plus, it’s only a 20 over game and there’s very little chance of the pitch changing its behavior. I think it will be an even competition which anyone can win. I am looking forward to going back to the West Indies. It will be my second time there. It’s a great place to play with a great atmosphere.”
Salman, however, believed the lead up to the tournament will be a big factor as the T20 version hardly gives a team time to acclimatize and adjust to alien conditions.
“I am sure there will be quite a few international players who are playing non-stop cricket in a lead up to the ICC World Twenty20 and might pull up an injury during the main event. It is a bit of both when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of playing in a domestic event before a global tournament like the ICC World Twenty20. In general, I don’t think it matters either way in Twenty20 as once you get in the groove, it’s anybody’s game. When I look at the Pakistan team, especially in this shortest format, I think anyone who plays to his full potential has the ability to single-handedly win the game for us on any given day. I think every player is extremely talented and it would be unfair to single out one or two players.”
