Winning World Cup in India would be gift for people of Pakistan, this team can do wonders: Imam-ul-Haq

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Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has expressed his excitement on the prospect of playing the upcoming World Cup 2023 in India. The southpaw has revealed his decade-old conversation with current Pakistan captain Babar Azam in which they discussed playing extraordinary cricket against India and in India.

Pakistan will be kicking off their World Cup 2023 campaign against Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad on October 6. The Men in Green will clash against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15.

"Playing in India, especially against India, and doing something special (was something) which Babar and I were discussing before 2010," Imam revealed to YouTube channel Grassroots Cricket.

Imam-ul-Haq has also expressed confidence that Pakistan are more than capable of winning the World Cup 2023 in India. He said winning the World Cup in India would be a gift to the nation.

"I really believe our one-day team is the most compatible and balanced team. The combination is similar to 2019. Whenever you give opportunities to players, the performances will come. We have chased 350 here (in Pakistan), we've scored 330 in South Africa, we won the series there.

"So yes, everybody is excited. A bit nervous as well, I won't lie. This team can do wonders, and it would be good for our nation if we win the World Cup in India," Imam added.

The 27-year-old, who made his Pakistan debut in 2017, also opened up on his growth as a player. The Lahore-born cricketer said he has responsibilities as a senior player now.

“Yes, I really believe. Imam-ul-haq is very different from 2019 to 2023. I'm much older now, maybe much more mature. And as a senior, now I've the responsibility. I've developed my shots as well. From last 4 years, my performances have gone up to a good level, so I want to continue that."