NEW DELHI: Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram on Sunday stated that the Asia Cup would function an important examination of the preparedness of subcontinental bowlers for the 50-over cricket format, particularly contemplating the upcoming ODI World Cup.
The Asia Cup begins from Wednesday with Pakistan going through Nepal in Multan whereas essentially the most anticipated encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will happen in Kandy on September 2.
Akram nevertheless selected to not single out any groups as favorites for the match.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we’ll discover out if the bowlers are in a position to ship 10 overs or not, now-a-days they’re all used to bowling four-overs (per sport),” Akram advised reporters right here throughout a match sponsor’s occasion.
The competitors will revert to 50-overs format on this version after being organised in T20 model final 12 months, and Akram welcomed the change.
“It is a good concept by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup as a result of proper after it we’ve the World Cup,” he stated.
Akram stated all groups shall be challenged on the parameters of health and sport plans.
“It’s a lengthy match — not a one-off which you can enter the semifinals after profitable one sport,” he stated.
“It’s a must to win video games to get on prime. It’s a must to take it sport by sport. Additionally, it’s a 50-over competitors (this time) not T20, which implies completely different mindset and health shall be required.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however stated the highway shall be powerful for all sides.
“Final time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan closing however Sri Lanka gained the competitors. All three groups are harmful — anybody can win on their day,” Akram stated.
“There are different groups competing too. Final time Sri Lanka gained the title, India even did not make it to the ultimate.
“India versus Pakistan is essential, we find out about a lot help (groups get), so many eyeballs, so many individuals (following). However different groups are additionally right here to play so you can’t minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram stated India have a balanced squad for the Asia Cup.
“I feel they’re making an attempt various things, new gamers particularly within the T20 format, additionally a brand new captain. They’ve a balanced squad. But it surely won’t be straightforward for India or any crew,” he stated.
Requested if Pakistan may have taken a robust stand towards India for not travelling to the neighbouring nation for the Asia Cup, Akram performed it protected.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he stated.
“I’ve all the time maintained and stated that politics and sports activities ought to be aside from one another. Individuals to individuals contact is essential and the typical Indian and Pakistani, they do respect one another. I hope ultimately sanity prevails.”
The second highest ODI wicket taker with 502 dismissals, Akram termed the Asia Cup because the “second largest match” on the earth.
“It’s the second largest match within the calendar of the cricketing world. (The) World Cups after which the Asia Cup, two giants, conflict of the titans… two titans, India and Pakistan then Sri Lanka, the earlier Asia Cup champions final 12 months in Dubai — what a hit that was,” he stated.
“All six nations are wanting ahead to seeing their gamers. It is a prep match earlier than the massive one, the World Cup.”
(With inputs from PTI)
The Asia Cup begins from Wednesday with Pakistan going through Nepal in Multan whereas essentially the most anticipated encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will happen in Kandy on September 2.
Akram nevertheless selected to not single out any groups as favorites for the match.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we’ll discover out if the bowlers are in a position to ship 10 overs or not, now-a-days they’re all used to bowling four-overs (per sport),” Akram advised reporters right here throughout a match sponsor’s occasion.
The competitors will revert to 50-overs format on this version after being organised in T20 model final 12 months, and Akram welcomed the change.
“It is a good concept by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup as a result of proper after it we’ve the World Cup,” he stated.
Akram stated all groups shall be challenged on the parameters of health and sport plans.
“It’s a lengthy match — not a one-off which you can enter the semifinals after profitable one sport,” he stated.
“It’s a must to win video games to get on prime. It’s a must to take it sport by sport. Additionally, it’s a 50-over competitors (this time) not T20, which implies completely different mindset and health shall be required.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however stated the highway shall be powerful for all sides.
“Final time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan closing however Sri Lanka gained the competitors. All three groups are harmful — anybody can win on their day,” Akram stated.
“There are different groups competing too. Final time Sri Lanka gained the title, India even did not make it to the ultimate.
“India versus Pakistan is essential, we find out about a lot help (groups get), so many eyeballs, so many individuals (following). However different groups are additionally right here to play so you can’t minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram stated India have a balanced squad for the Asia Cup.
“I feel they’re making an attempt various things, new gamers particularly within the T20 format, additionally a brand new captain. They’ve a balanced squad. But it surely won’t be straightforward for India or any crew,” he stated.
Requested if Pakistan may have taken a robust stand towards India for not travelling to the neighbouring nation for the Asia Cup, Akram performed it protected.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he stated.
“I’ve all the time maintained and stated that politics and sports activities ought to be aside from one another. Individuals to individuals contact is essential and the typical Indian and Pakistani, they do respect one another. I hope ultimately sanity prevails.”
The second highest ODI wicket taker with 502 dismissals, Akram termed the Asia Cup because the “second largest match” on the earth.
“It’s the second largest match within the calendar of the cricketing world. (The) World Cups after which the Asia Cup, two giants, conflict of the titans… two titans, India and Pakistan then Sri Lanka, the earlier Asia Cup champions final 12 months in Dubai — what a hit that was,” he stated.
“All six nations are wanting ahead to seeing their gamers. It is a prep match earlier than the massive one, the World Cup.”
(With inputs from PTI)
