The Asia Cup 2023 is all set to kickstart on Wednesday, August 30 and the excitement among the fans has reached its peak. The subcontinent giants including – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal – will compete against each other in the gala event, which will serve as a key to preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in October-November.
The Indian cricket team will open their campaign in the Asia Cup 2023 with a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 2. The Rohit Sharma and co. will be aiming to move past the previous year’s disappointment when India was knocked out in the Super Fours stage after defeats against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
While India and Pakistan are two of the top teams in the tournament and the clash between the two is always high-awaited due to the history of their rivalry but one cannot underestimate Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh either.
No Favorites For Wasim Akram For Asia Cup 2023
Speaking about the same, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has warned that it would be harmful to underestimate the other opposition.
Wasim Akram also said that there no team will enter the contest as favorites. He said that all the participating teams are dangerous and can beat other teams on their good day. As quoted by PTI, Akram said:
“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,”
He added: “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,”
Akram Warned Team India
Recently, India announced their 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led squad features three spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, and two keeper-batters KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan with Sanju Samson as the traveling reserve. With Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury, the squad is looking stronger and well-balanced.
Further, speaking about the Indian team, Akram insisted that India have a “balanced” squad but he also warned that it won’t be easy for Team India in the Asia Cup 2023. He said:
“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,”
