Ahead of the Asia Cup championship former Pakistan Captain Wasim Akram has opened up and said we know the importance of India vs Pakistan but we cannot look down the other teams like Sri Lanka who are the defending champions and also Bangladesh.
Wasim Akram said(quoted as saying by Indian Express):
“India versus Pakistan is very important, we know about so much support (teams get), so many eyeballs, so many people (following). But other teams are also here to play so you cannot minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” Akram said, as quoted by PTI.
Wasim Akram also said India is trying to make their best squads by trying out different players which is good he also said it will not be easy for India or other teams as all the teams for the Asia Cup are good and it will be a tough competition.
“I think they are trying different things, new players especially in the T20 format, also a new captain. They have a balanced squad. But it will not be easy for India or any team,” he said.
Wasim Akram also said that since the Asia- Cup is 50 overs, teams will get to practice and prepare well before the Upcoming World Cup 2023.
“This is a good idea by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup because right after it we have the World Cup. It is a long tournament — not a one-off that you can enter the semi-finals after winning one game. You have to win games to get on top. You have to take it game by game. Also, it is a 50-over competition (this time) not T20, which means different mindset and fitness will be required,” Akram was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
“Last time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan final but Sri Lanka won the competition. All three teams are dangerous — anyone can win on their day. There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final,” he added.