M Haris bans talking about ‘this country’ in Shaheens dressing room

Pakistan Shaheen’s captain, Muhammad Haris, has banned talking about the match against India in the dressing room.

Talking to the media at the National Stadium Karachi, Mohammad Haris said, “The competition is not only with the Indian team in the Emerging Asia Cup; there are other teams, and they all have to be defeated. There is a ban on discussing the match with India in the dressing room as coach Umar Rashid is strongly opposed to discussing the match only with the Indian team in the dressing room.”

He said, “Thinking of a match against India puts pressure on the players, and as a captain and head coach, I have banned talking about India. Our preparations for the Emerging Asia Cup are full; we hope to defend our title. The focus will not be only on India; there are also competitions with other teams, and our plan will be different against each team.”

“I was the captain last year, too; so far, there has been no talk about the captaincy. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made me the captain of different teams; my focus is on the Emerging Asia Cup, and I will play as an opener in the Emerging Asia Cup.”

The emerging Asia Cup will start on October 18 in Oman; Pakistan Shaheen’s team will leave tonight, and Pakistan Shaheens will play the first match on October 19 against India A.

Pakistan is the defending champion of this event. Pakistan defeated India in the final of the emerging Asia Cup last year.