India-Pakistan match is bigger than Ashes, more of a border rivalry: Ashwin

INDIA'S PREMIER SPINNER Ravichandran Ashwin says the India-Pakistan clash is bigger than the Ashes and it is more of a border rivalry.

As reported by OneIndia, Ashwin said,

"This rivalry is huge. It is hard to put a finger and say how huge it is. Probably this is bigger than Ashes. As far as Indians and Pakistanis go, I don't think they watch this as a game of cricket. It is more of a border rivalry. They want to get one up on each other. There is much more to the particular game in itself rather than the game taking centrestage."

The Tamil Nadu-player also added that fans put emotions into the contest.

"As far as people are concerned, they put the emotions into the game. For the players it is trying to keep the emotions aside and try to play in the best way we can," Ashwin added.

Ashwin will again be a key member of the side when the two arch-rivals face off at the Eden Gardens today.

India has never lost to Pakistan in four previous World T20 encounters and will look to continue the dominance.