Dhoni is an inspiration, Afridi is interesting, says Sana Mir

Kolkata: A cricket match between India and Pakistan is not only about the willow and cherry. Emotions and adrenaline run high considering the age-old rivalry.

The arch-rivals’ temperament and acumen will be tested when they meet for the ICC World Twenty20 fixture at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.

Read: Earth Hour might cause major disappointment for India-Pakistan fans

On the same day, in the afternoon, the eves will take on each other. Pakistan women’s team skipper Sana Mir, who is a fan of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said the pressure is no different.

“It is one of those matches which make a lot of people happy and sad at the same time. To be a part of such an intense contest is a great feeling no matter one is playing or watching. At the end of the day, we represent Pakistan and they India. We put in the same effort as the men,” she told this correspondent in an exclusive interview.

Mir observes Dhoni’s tactics on the field and takes them as a lesson to improve her captaincy.

I learn a lot from Dhoni. He is an inspiring figure. The manner in which he led seniors as well as the juniors is commendable. Sachin Tendulkar to Ravindra Jadeja – all have played under him. I also look up to Kumar Sangakkara and AB de Villiers,” added Mir, who was the first to receive PCB Woman Cricketer of the Year award in 2013.

On the other hand, she also applauded Shahid Afridi.

“He is an interesting captain and the passion with which he leads Pakistan makes him a loved figure back home,” she asserted.

But after landing here for the tournament, Afridi angered his admirers across the border for declaring his love for India and comparing it with that of Pakistan.

Read: Got more love in India than in Pakistan, says Shahid Afridi

Later, the Pakistan skipper explained that it was a positive message to show respect to the fans in India and he did not intend to demean his nation.

Mir backed him on the issue.

Every cricketer loves touring countries but there is no comparison between love for one’s own country with other nations. I think he didn’t mean anything on those lines. It was taken differently by the fans in Pakistan. It was blown out of proportion. His comment was a general one. Whenever we tour any country, there is love not only for cricketers but also for artists and musicians. People misunderstood Afridi,” said Mir.

When asked about being safe in India – after the hullabaloo created by PCB ahead of the tournament – Sana said: “There is no lack of hospitality. People in India are taking good care of us like any other host. Having said that, when any team faces security threats, the board tries to ensure enough protection and PCB also did that. Most countries do not travel to Pakistan to play cricket despite assurance from our side. It is true we arrived much late and it did affect our preparations for the event but people were doing their job and they did it well,” added Mir, who still cherishes the Javed Miandad six off Chetan Sharma during the 1986 match in Sharjah.