'Don't come to India if you can't handle pressure': 2011 World Cup-winner indian star hits back at Mickey Arthur and Pakistan
Many were upset by the result, but Micky Arthur, the director of cricket for Pakistan, was particularly unhappy with the preparations.
Pakistan, captained by Babar Azam, has not been up to the mark in the ongoing 50-over World Cup in India. The team had a successful start to the season as they won the first two games. but They lost the next two meetings, though, as they were unable to maintain their winning momentum.
One of the two losses came against India, the World Cup's bitterest rivals, in a match that saw one of the most spectacular collapses ever.
With 155/2 on the board, Pakistan were poised at one point, but they were unable to score more than 200 runs. Only 36 more runs could be scored by the squad before they lost their final eight wickets, leaving India with a manageable target of 192 runs.
India completed the run chase in 30.3 overs thanks to a half-century by Shreyas Iyer and a masterful 86 off 63 balls by captain Rohit Sharma.
Many were incensed by the result, but Micky Arthur, the director of cricket for Pakistan, was particularly unimpressed with the preparations.
Following the result, Arthur didn't hold back when criticising BCCI for the absence of Pakistani support at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. "To be really honest, I would be lying if I claimed that tonight's event didn't feel like an ICC one.
It appeared to be a BCCI tournament and a bilateral series. Arthur remarked, "I didn't hear Dil Dil Pakistan coming through the mics too much tonight.
Furthermore, the ICC received a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the animosity of the spectators during the major match.
In response, S Sreesanth, the Indian player who won the World Cup in 2011, unleashed a vicious attack on Pakistan. "You see, if you perform well, the crowd will applaud you, and if you perform poorly, they will criticise you.
" You must prepare as a team for both. Mahi bhai has always advised keeping your attention on the procedure since pressure would never go away. If you are not able to bear pressure, do not travel to India. Return now.
During an exchange, the former Indian speedster informed Crichistory, "As it is, you're playing that way."
Pakistan, who are now ranked fifth out of 10 teams, will take on Afghanistan at Chepauk, Chennai, on Monday. Although Pakistan is the clear favourite going into the match, Afghanistan's potent spin attack could provide another upset in the main event.
Afghanistan's lone victory in the competition came last week when they shocked the reigning champions, England.