‘They will do well because it is played in our type of conditions in India’ – Wasim Akram’s positive take on Pakistan’s World Cup chances

Wasim Akram and Pakistan ODI cricket Team. (Photo Source: Tom Dulat-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and RIZWAN TABASSUM/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Pakistani skipper and bowling icon Wasim Akram is positive about his side’s chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup hosted by India later this year. The ex-cricketer feels that Pakistan have a great chance in this year’s tournament as the players would be accustomed to the nature of Indian pitches, which are pretty similar to the ones in Pakistan.

Wasim Akram, who was one of the driving forces behind Pakistan’s maiden World Cup triumph in 1992, feels the Men in Green are one of the contenders to lift the trophy this year. Akram reckoned that the fitness of the players will play a huge role in the ICC mega event as there is no question regarding the quality of Babar Azam’s side.

“We have a good side…a very good one-day side and are led by one of the modern-day greats in Babar Azam. As long as they are fit and as long as they play according to the plan, they will have a chance of doing well in that World Cup because it is played in our type of conditions in India on the sub-continent,” the former Pakistan captain said.

In my opinion, Babar has the most beautiful cover drive in the world: Akram

Highlighting the performance of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, the former cricketer labelled him as a modern-day great. The former pacer reckoned Babar was their best player and is confident about the ace batter raising his game to the next level in the global event later this year.

“I think he can (get better) as he is the best player we have. The whole country follows him, everything he does. He gets people into the stadium and it doesn’t matter whether it is T20, one-dayers or Test cricket and, in my opinion, he has the most beautiful cover drive in the world,” Akram added.