Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfraz Ahmed believes that Pakistan will have a psychological edge over India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Bearing in mind that Pakistan play their home matches in UAE, Sarfraz felt that Pakistan are better equipped to utilise the conditions to their advantage.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, the skipper said he was not aware about Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) protest on Asia Cup schedule. “I am not aware about India’s protest on Asia Cup scheduling. We will have a psychological edge over India because UAE is our home ground and we are in a better position to gauge the conditions and utilise it to our advantage.”

However, he conceded that India are a better team than Pakistan. “Virat Kohli-led unit are more experienced than the Men in Green,” he added.

This will be the first time that both the arch rivals will face each other after Pakistan’s thumping win over India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval in 2017.

The skipper hoped that it would be a good match because this is the first time both sides are facing each other after the Champions Trophy Final. Sarfraz also pointed out team’s special emphasis on improving their fitness levels, especially considering that they have important assignments coming up in the near future.

Furthermore, he requested the next-in-line prime minister Imran Khan not to end departmental cricket in the country. “I would like to request Imran Khan not to end departmental cricket as these departments have played an important role in the development of Pakistan Cricket,” he said.

“I have also come from departmental cricket, first I played for region and then department and it does improve cricket. Once Imran Khan comes in the cricket will gradually improve but I can only request him not to end departmental cricket,” he added.