'India mein jab khelta hun to...' - Umar Akmal makes a big statement on Indian Cricket Fans

It’s been a decade since India and Pakistan faced each other in a bilateral series and Pakistan toured India for any two-nation series. The last time, was the season of 2012-13 when both teams locked horns in the white-ball series. Meanwhile, the arch-rivals have crossed swords in major international tournaments including World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup.

Recently, the senior Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Umar Akmal has come up with a massive statement on the Indian cricket fans and also talked about his experience of playing in India. Akmal said playing in India felt like he is playing on his home soil.

The 32-year-old has appeared to have played 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is since his international debut almost 14 years back in the year 2009. Akmal also mentioned the behavior of the Indian crowd with opposite teams.

“Especially Pakistani players ko bahut jyada respect milti hai”

"India mai khelna mujhe bahut acha lagta hai. Asia m khelna especially bahut acha lagta hai. Abhi tk mai Pakistan m home series itni lambi nahi khela, sirf 2 match khela hoon vo bhi T20I, usme bhi unlucky raha. Pehli pehli ball par out hota raha. India m jab khelta hoon to aisa lagta hai jaise apni country m khel raha hoon. Crowd bahut jyada respect deta hai dono teams ko. Ye nahi hai ki sirf India ko respect deta hai, vo waha jo bhi team aaye usko bahut respect dete hai.

Especially Pakistani players ko bahut jyada respect milti hai. Maja aata hai waha khelne mai (I like playing in India and in Asia. I haven’t played a big series in Pakistan till date and only played in two T20Is in that also I got out for 0. Whenever I have played in India, I feel as if I’m playing in my own country. The crowd in India respects both teams; Indian fans love Pakistani players and cheer for them too,” said Akmal during an interaction with a Pakistan journalist on his YouTube channel.