T20 World Cup: Small talks to defuse big pressure around India-Pakistan game

Pakistan defuse the hype that surrounds a contest between the bitter neighbours, rival captains Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam said on Saturday. Bilateral cricket between the arch-rivals remains suspended, thanks to their soured political relation, and emotions run high on both sides of the border whenever they clash in multi-team tournaments. Excitement is already building for the October 23 blockbuster between the former champions in Melbourne but India captain Rohit sought to downplay the hype around one of cricket's greatest rivalries.

Read AlsoT20 World Cup: I already have my XI against Pakistan, says Rohit Sharma

As the Indian team gears up for the blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup, India skipper Rohit Sharma said that the playing XI for the match has been decided and he doesn't believe in a last-minute decision as he wants them to prepare well.

"We understand the importance of the game but there's no point talking about it every time and creating that pressure within yourself," the batsman said at the pre-tournament captains' interaction with the media. While fans treat every India-Pakistan contest as a battle for one-upmanship, the camaraderie between the sides was evident at the recent Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Rohit and his team mates were seen wishing Shaheen Afridi a quick recovery from a knee injury while the Pakistan speedster wished for Virat Kohli's return to form.

Read AlsoShaheen Afridi is fully fit, dedicated to give his 100 percent: Babar Azam

As Pakistan gear up to begin their T20 World Cup campaign with the highly-anticipated clash against India on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, skipper Babar Azam said that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi