ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: India Vs Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed ignores Prime Minister Imran Khan's advice

Manchester, June 16: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are clashing with each other in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed won a crucial toss in the marquee-clash and invited his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli to bat first at Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday (June 16).

Keeping the conditions at Manchester at mind it felt like the best decision from the Pakistan skipper as the conditions are overcast and they have quality seamers in their ranks who could exploit the conditions brilliantly.

"We will bowl first. It has been raining in Old Trafford from the last three days so conditions are good for bowling," said Sarfaraz after winning the toss.

India captain Virat Kohli too said he would have also opted to chase had he won the toss.

"We would have bowled first to be honest. Wicket looks really nice though and we have two wrist spinners in our team. We will be in good stead if we bat well," Kohli said.

If everyone was of the opinion that the team winning the toss would invite the opposition team to bat first and reap the benefits of the seaming conditions and the possible spell of rain in the afternoon.

However, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan had a different advice for the Men In Green. Imran Khan - who was Pakistan's world cup-winning captain in 1992 - in a series of tweets on Sunday wished the Pakistan Cricket Team all the best and gave some advices ahead of the biggest clash of the tournament.

Imran Khan suggested Sarfaraz to bat first after winning the toss, which the latter didn't pay attention as Pakistan opted to chase.

So @SarfarazA_54 rightly ignores @ImranKhanPTI ‘s advice & puts India in to bat! https://t.co/j7hENgjPZR
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 16, 2019

"In order to have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because "Raillu Kattas" rarely perform under pressure - especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat," tweeted Imran.

4/5 1. In order ro have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because "Raillu Kattas" rarely perform under pressure - especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 16, 2019

2/5 Today, given the intensity of the match, both teams will come under great mental pressure and the power of the mind will decide the outcome of the match today. In Sarfaraz we are fortunate to have a bold captain & today he will have to be at his daring best.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 16, 2019

3/5 All fears of losing should be banished from the mind as the mind can only process one thought at a time. Fear of losing leads to a negative & defensive strategy & crucially mistakes by opponents are not pounced upon. So here are my suggestions for Sarfaraz & Pakistan team:
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 16, 2019

4/5 1. In order ro have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because "Raillu Kattas" rarely perform under pressure - especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 16, 2019

5/5 3. Finally, even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball. Then accept whatever the result like true sportsmen. The nation's prayers are with all of you. Good Luck.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 16, 2019