Picture Credit: Twitter
Pakistan and England are all set to face each other in the summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2022 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, and cricket fraternity is already divided while predicting the winner among both.
However, the cricket fever is not just limited to the cricket fans but even dressing room of Premier League club Crystal Palace is in split ahead of the marquee clash. In a video shared by Crystal Palace, players and support staff admitted their support for both Pakistan and England. The club’s midfielder Eberechi Eza backed Pakistan before changing his mind to England.
Meanwhile, forward John-Kymani Gordon expressed his support for Pakistan, whereas goalkeeper Jack Butland claimed, "If England bowl first, then definitely England will win, otherwise it's going to be close". Notably, Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi was treated by Zafar Iqbal, who is currently head of the Crystal Palace’s Sports Medicine Department. The medical staff of the Premier League club backed Pakistan as one of them said, “Hopefully, Pakistan win. Obviously worked closely with Shaheen. Come on Pakistan!”
“Pakistan for Zaf! He helped their man to get fit so we are rooting for Pakistan. I will go with Pakistan because Zaf is my boss,” said another member of the medical staff team. Meanwhile, Zafar Iqbal recalled how everything underestimated after their results didn’t go in their favour but here, we are. “Everyone in the world thought that Pakistan was eliminated but today we are discussing their chances of winning the title. I am rooting for Pakistan," said Iqbal.
Speaking of Pakistan’s journey in the ICC tournament, Babar Azam & Co. had a horrific start to their campaign as they suffered close defeat against India and then were shocked by Zimbabwe. Amid massive criticism from all quarters, Pakistan players peaked at the right time and won their remaining matches including one against New Zealand to seal their final berth in the T20 World Cup 2022.
Pakistan will be looking to clinch their second T20 World Cup title, but the task ahead of them will not be a cake walk as England is coming on the back of daunting victory against India in the second semi-final clash at Adelaide Oval.
