'We predicted IND vs PAK but...': Wasim Akram gives huge verdict on Asia Cup favorites

The 2023 Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. This event brings together cricket teams from various Asian countries to compete against each other. The Asia Cup is an important platform for teams to showcase their skills and prepare for other major international tournaments, such as the ICC Cricket World Cup. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, particularly in terms of fitness, strategy, and performance over longer matches.

3 things you need to know

• The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka
• India will play its opening match against Pakistan on September 2
• India will enter as defending champions having won the previous 50-over Asia Cup

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Wasim Akram refrains from predicting finalists

Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram commented on the forthcoming Asia Cup, highlighting its role in assessing the readiness of subcontinental bowlers for 50-overs cricket leading up to the ODI World Cup. Akram spoke to reporters at an event and emphasized that teams like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will determine if their bowlers can effectively deliver full 10-over spells, given the trend of limited four-over spells in contemporary matches.

"Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we will find out if the bowlers are able to deliver 10 overs or not, nowadays they are all used to bowling four overs (per game). 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 semifinals 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 a different mindset and fitness will be required," Akram said.

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However, Akram refrained from naming any favorites for the tournament. He acknowledged the unpredictability of the competition. Akram recalled that the previous edition saw Sri Lanka clinching victory despite expectations of an India-Pakistan final. 

"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. 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," he added.

The Asia Cup is set to commence on Wednesday, commencing with a match between Pakistan and Nepal in Multan. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown is scheduled for September 2 in Kandy.

Image: AP/ICC