“Playing for India, you don’t need extra motivation”

Ahead of Champions Trophy, ICC to review security
The ICC will continue to review its security procedures ahead of next month’s Champions Trophy and the Women’s World Cup in England and Wales, insisting safety is its top priority following the explosion at the Manchester Arena. A statement from the ICC, world cricket’s governing body, stated “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. The ICC and ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority. We operate on advice from our Tournament Security Directorate – in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities – to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments. We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels. The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe.”

Captain Virat Kohli played down the hype surrounding their upcoming marquee clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, saying it is just another game of cricket for the players.
Defending champions India will be opening their campaign against Pakistan at the Edgbaston, Birmingham, on June 4 amidst tense bilateral relations between the two nations.
When asked by the media if playing Pakistan in the current political scenario is a good thing, Kohli said, “What do you think? You seem to have come here with your own mindset. With all due respect, whatever else is going on, as a cricketer, you can’t even think about your partner at the other end when you are batting. It’s about playing the game. Yes, India-Pakistan is always exciting for the fans. It’s different for them. For us, it is just a game of cricket. In our heads nothing really changes, it’s exactly the same for us. It’s not the first time we are playing against them. Playing for India, you don’t need extra motivation.”
Kohli was speaking ahead of the team’s departure for England.
India have been the dominant side in the World T20 and the 50-over World Cup, leading Pakistan 11-0.
However, in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have a superior record with two wins against India’s first win over their rivals coming only in the last edition, in 2013.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin from June 1 when hosts England take on Bangladesh while India will begin their campaign three days later.
The Men in Blue last won the tournament in 2013 when they defeated England in the finals by five runs under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
After playing Pakistan, India are scheduled to play Sri Lanka on June 8 and South Africa on June 11 in London.