‘This is proper blockbuster stuff’ – Aakash Chopra opens up on prospect of India-Pakistan World Cup clash in Ahmedabad

Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

India are all set to host the upcoming 50-over World Cup. It goes without saying that they will start as one of the favourites. However, they will be wary of their dismal record in the knockout stages of ICC events. Before the knockouts though, India will play nine other nations. The highly-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad on October 15 as per the draft schedule that has been released.

The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world. Expect the stadium to be packed to the rafters when Rohit Sharma’s men lock horns with Babar Azam and Co. Aakash Chopra recently gave his take on the clash. The former India cricketer said on his YouTube channel that the encounter is going to stop heartbeats for some time as over one lakh passionate fans will be making a lot of noise, cheering their favourite players on.

“India vs Pakistan, World Cup 2023, this will be a 50-over match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. The heartbeats will stop for some time. There will be 1.25 lakh people making noise and it is going to be an interesting encounter. This is proper blockbuster stuff.”

I am finding it slightly dicey as the Chennai matches might be rain-affected: Aakash Chopra

India will potentially begin their World Cup campaign with a difficult clash as they are scheduled to face the mighty Australians in Chennai on October 8. With only four wins in 12 World Cup games against Australia, India would have to be at their best to get one over the five-time champions.

Aakash Chopra fears that the match could be affected by rain. “India’s first match is on October 8 in Chennai against Australia. So India are starting with an absolute bang of a match. It rains in Chennai in October-November. So I am finding it slightly dicey as the Chennai matches might be rain affected. October is still a little early but it definitely rains in November,” said the 45-year-old.

Speaking of India’s second game against Afghanistan in Delhi, Chopra said that the likes of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad could cause some problems but the two-time champions will eventually come out on top.

“You will play against Afghanistan on October 11 in Delhi. Afghanistan are a team whose bowling will trouble you. They will not get hit that easily, although to be very honest, whether it is Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman or Mohammad Nabi, you will find that despite everything, India win this match.”