"We Might Be Lagging But...": Pakistan Hockey Team Head Coach's Stern Warning To India Ahead Of Asian Champions Trophy Clash
Pakistan head coach Muhammad Saqlain on Wednesday admitted that India are ahead of his side in terms of preparations but promised to surprise the hosts in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey match-up between the arch-rivals on August 9. "Definitely, preparation-wise India is ahead since it has been playing of late and is coming off a stint in Europe, whereas we have arrived right from our homes. It is the same even in cricket," Saqlain said during a media interaction. "We want to play more matches against India that would be beneficial for both sides. Obviously, India is at an advantage here in terms of fitness. But we also prepare in the same hot weather conditions, and we will surprise them when we meet." Pakistan have not played any competitive match this year, having missed out on participating in the FIH World Cup in India earlier this year. However, Saqlain feels that they have had adequate preparations all these times, especially in the last three months.
