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 approaching ODI World Cup.
The Asia Cup begins from Wednesday with Pakistan dealing with Nepal in Multan whereas probably the most anticipated encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will happen in Kandy on September 2.
Akram nonetheless selected to not single out any groups as favorites for the event.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we will find out if the bowlers are able to deliver 10 overs or not, now-a-days they are all used to bowling four-overs (per game),” Akram advised 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 yr, and Akram welcomed the change.
“This is a good idea by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup because right after it we have the World Cup,” he stated.
Akram stated all groups will probably be challenged on the parameters of health and recreation plans.
“It is a long tournament — not a one-off that you can enter the semifinals after winning one game,” he stated.
“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.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however stated the highway will probably be robust for all sides.
“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,” Akram stated.
“There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final.
“India versus Pakistan is essential, we find out about a lot help (groups get), so many eyeballs, so many individuals (following). But different groups are additionally right here to play so you can’t minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram said 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 have a balanced squad. But it won’t be straightforward for India or any crew,” he said.
Asked if Pakistan could have taken a strong stand against India for not travelling to the neighbouring nation for the Asia Cup, Akram played it safe.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he said.
“I’ve all the time maintained and stated that politics and sports activities needs to be other than one another. People to individuals contact is essential and the typical Indian and Pakistani, they do respect one another. I hope finally sanity prevails.”
The second highest ODI wicket taker with 502 dismissals, Akram termed the Asia Cup as the “second largest event” in the world.
“It is the second largest 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 yr in Dubai — what successful that was,” he said.
“All six nations are trying ahead to seeing their gamers. This 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 probably the most anticipated encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will happen in Kandy on September 2.
Akram nonetheless selected to not single out any groups as favorites for the event.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we will find out if the bowlers are able to deliver 10 overs or not, now-a-days they are all used to bowling four-overs (per game),” Akram advised 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 yr, and Akram welcomed the change.
“This is a good idea by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup because right after it we have the World Cup,” he stated.
Akram stated all groups will probably be challenged on the parameters of health and recreation plans.
“It is a long tournament — not a one-off that you can enter the semifinals after winning one game,” he stated.
“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.”
The legendary pacer refused to foretell any favourites however stated the highway will probably be robust for all sides.
“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,” Akram stated.
“There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final.
“India versus Pakistan is essential, we find out about a lot help (groups get), so many eyeballs, so many individuals (following). But different groups are additionally right here to play so you can’t minus Sri Lanka or Bangladesh,” he added.
Akram said 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 have a balanced squad. But it won’t be straightforward for India or any crew,” he said.
Asked if Pakistan could have taken a strong stand against India for not travelling to the neighbouring nation for the Asia Cup, Akram played it safe.
“The Pakistan authorities has given permission that Pakistan (crew) can journey to India,” he said.
“I’ve all the time maintained and stated that politics and sports activities needs to be other than one another. People to individuals contact is essential and the typical Indian and Pakistani, they do respect one another. I hope finally sanity prevails.”
The second highest ODI wicket taker with 502 dismissals, Akram termed the Asia Cup as the “second largest event” in the world.
“It is the second largest 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 yr in Dubai — what successful that was,” he said.
“All six nations are trying ahead to seeing their gamers. This is a prep event earlier than the massive one, the World Cup.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com