"I saw some stats which said the soccer World Cup final attracted 1.6bn viewers. Tomorrow is likely to get 1.5bn. It doesn't get bigger than that. It doesn't get more exciting.
"We've got 15 incredible cricketers in that dressing room, and we keep stressing to them: How do you want to be remembered?
"You're the class of 2019. What are they going to say about you in history? Tomorrow presents an unbelievable opportunity for these guys to really make a mark."
The two countries rarely play each other outside of major tournaments, with India winning their past two meetings in the Asia Cup in 2018, and Pakistan victorious in the final of the Champions Trophy in England in 2017.
India have started well in the World Cup, winning their opening two matches against South Africa and Australia, before their match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge was abandoned.
Pakistan, in contrast, have struggled - beating hosts England but losing to Australia and West Indies.
"We can't get too emotional," said India captain Virat Kohli. "Our attention span has to be very precise because we have a split second to make decisions.
"I can't tell the fans to think of the game in a particular manner. They should enjoy the atmosphere. They should enjoy the occasion the way they want to and the way it's been enjoyed for years."
Pakistan legend Wasim Akram was less measured in his assessment of the match, however, billing it as "the biggest thing in cricket".
"This can't be bigger," Akram said. "India and Pakistan playing at the World Cup with an audience of more than 1bn is the biggest thing in cricket, so my message to both sets of fans to enjoy it and stay calm.
"One team will win, one team will lose, so stay graceful."
Posted on June 16, 2019
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