NEW DELHI: Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram on Sunday mentioned that the Asia Cup would function a vital 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 dealing with 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 event.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we are going to discover out if the bowlers are capable of ship 10 overs or not, now-a-days they’re all used to bowling four-overs (per sport),” Akram informed reporters right here throughout a event 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 have now the World Cup,” he mentioned.
Akram mentioned all groups will likely be challenged on the parameters of health and sport plans.
“It’s a lengthy event — not a one-off which you could enter the semifinals after profitable one sport,” he mentioned.
“You must win video games to get on prime. You must take it sport by sport. Additionally, it’s a 50-over competitors (this time) not T20, which suggests totally different mindset and health will likely be required.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however mentioned the highway will likely be powerful for all sides.
“Final time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan closing however Sri Lanka received the competitors. All three groups are harmful — anybody can win on their day,” Akram mentioned.
“There are different groups competing too. Final time Sri Lanka received the title, India even didn’t 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 not minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram mentioned India have a balanced squad for the Asia Cup.
“I believe 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 mentioned.
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 secure.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he mentioned.
“I’ve all the time maintained and mentioned that politics and sports activities ought to be aside from one another. Folks to individuals contact is essential and the common 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 greatest event” on the planet.
“It’s the second greatest event 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 mentioned.
“All six nations are trying ahead to seeing their gamers. It is a prep event earlier than the massive one, the World Cup.”
(With inputs from PTI)
The Asia Cup begins from Wednesday with Pakistan dealing with 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 event.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we are going to discover out if the bowlers are capable of ship 10 overs or not, now-a-days they’re all used to bowling four-overs (per sport),” Akram informed reporters right here throughout a event 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 have now the World Cup,” he mentioned.
Akram mentioned all groups will likely be challenged on the parameters of health and sport plans.
“It’s a lengthy event — not a one-off which you could enter the semifinals after profitable one sport,” he mentioned.
“You must win video games to get on prime. You must take it sport by sport. Additionally, it’s a 50-over competitors (this time) not T20, which suggests totally different mindset and health will likely be required.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however mentioned the highway will likely be powerful for all sides.
“Final time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan closing however Sri Lanka received the competitors. All three groups are harmful — anybody can win on their day,” Akram mentioned.
“There are different groups competing too. Final time Sri Lanka received the title, India even didn’t 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 not minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram mentioned India have a balanced squad for the Asia Cup.
“I believe 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 mentioned.
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 secure.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he mentioned.
“I’ve all the time maintained and mentioned that politics and sports activities ought to be aside from one another. Folks to individuals contact is essential and the common 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 greatest event” on the planet.
“It’s the second greatest event 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 mentioned.
“All six nations are trying ahead to seeing their gamers. It is a prep event earlier than the massive one, the World Cup.”
(With inputs from PTI)
