“Well, it’s a game of emotion. If we win, we’ll go crazy. If we lose, we’ll go crazy.But the thing is, if we win, they will go crazy with us. If we lose, they will go crazy with us. That’s the difference,” Yuvraj said.
“But I think, whether it’s India, Pakistan, or any other game, I’m sure the guys are going 100%. It’s just that I always feel that the team who control their emotion on that day better and focus on the match situation, they will win the game.
“In the last couple of years, we’ve had a better record than Pakistan. And hopefully, we can continue that.”
The stylish left-handed batter added, “I think I would not be that nervous going into India-Pakistan game watching it. I’ve watched on TV, but never been to the ground watching an India-Pakistan match. This will be first time.”
Yuvraj said “locals” will need to “play the game and explore it” in order for cricket to gain traction in the USA. He is astounded by Americans’ propensity for packaging their sports.
The ongoing T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, with games slated to take place in New York, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“To all the (Indian American) fans who come here for cricket, who I know want India to win, but I think you should encourage your American friends and all the people around the world to come and watch every game and encourage the sport of cricket in America,” Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj was present at the Fan Park launch at the Oculus Trade Center in New York, where he is an ICC Ambassador for the T20 World Cup.
“I’m sure this is a place where all the best sports in the world are played. America is a place where all sports are popular.
“In our country, I know cricket is very popular amongst other sports, but I think it will be amazing to watch cricket grow in America because I feel the way the Americans package sports, I don’t see as much happening around the world,” he added.
This is the first time that the USA, a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is hosting a cricket tournament of this size, and it has attracted some attention in this region of the world that is passionate about American football (NFL), baseball, and the NBA.
“Definitely, the interest is growing in America. The major league (cricket) has come and done really well, cricket is really growing. I think the way Americans package sports is amazing, and if they can package cricket like that, like their sports, it will be great to watch.
“But, along the way, the locals will have to play the game and explore it. It’s going to take time. But, as I said, Americans, the way they package sports, is amazing, and if they can do it with cricket, it will be good to watch,” Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj is thrilled to see Americans not only participate in, but also host a premier international cricket competition. In Dallas, the USA defeated rivals Canada by seven wickets to start their campaign.
“All the best to you and the American team, but India is far ahead in cricket right now. Part of you, which is also Indian, so I know inside you want India to win as well.
“But to say a few words about this iconic place, we all know the history over here and we all know what happened and people’s lives do matter.
“And to the World Cup teams, I wish them all the best and may the best team win, and I hope you guys really enjoy the tournament and cheer all teams. I know you want to back India, but if India is not playing, cheer other teams as well,” Yuvraj said.
(With PTI inputs)