Copyright timesnownews
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has dismissed the off-field chatter surrounding her team's upcoming Asia Cup match against Pakistan, stating that cricket will always be the primary emphasis. On October 5, India will play Pakistan in Colombo, a match that frequently generates discussion across the cricketing world. A few hot moments with animated celebrations and verbal arguments occurred during the recent men's Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, but Harmanpreet stated that such things do not enter her team's dressing room. "Well, we can only control one thing which is playing cricket on the field and we are not thinking of other things. Because as cricketers, we can only control the things we have in our hand. But in other parts, I have zero control and I don't even take those things into my mind. We don't even discuss those things in the dressing room. We are only here to play cricket and our focus is only on cricket," Harmanpreet said during the ICC captains' press meeting. Harmanpreet acknowledged that there high expectations ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, which begins at home in Guwahati on September 30. However, she emphasized that the team should embrace the occasion rather than feel under pressure. "I think leading your country is always a very special moment for any player, but leading your country in an ODI World Cup is even more special, and on top of that, it is a home World Cup, so it's even more special," Harmanpreet said. "I mean, it's unbelievable because, you know, when I started playing I never even thought I would get the opportunity to lead my country, it was only in a dream. The ODI World Cup is happening after 12 years (at home), and I think it is going to be very amazing for all of us. It's all about enjoying this moment and not taking too much pressure," she added.
