‘They are all used to bowling four-overs’- Wasim Akram predicts favorites to win Asia Cup 2023

Wasim Akram (Source-Twitter)

The Asia Cup 2023 gets underway on Wednesday in Multan with Pakistan playing Nepal in the first match, but all eyes will be on the historic match between India and Pakistan on September 2 in Kandy.

The Tournament is going to be 50 overs format, where previously the tournament used to hold 20 overs, and fans believe this is a good change as there is a one-day world cup coming upfront, this will be useful for all the teams. 

Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram on Sunday said the upcoming Asia Cup will test readiness of subcontinental bowlers for 50-overs cricket ahead of the ODI World Cup but refused to pick any favorites for the tournament. 

Speaking in an event Pakistani Pacer Wasim Akram says that the potential in bowlers has become less nowadays as they were used to bowl 4 overs in T20’s and not many bowlers are playing the long format games nowadays. 

Akram said all teams will be challenged on the parameters of fitness and game plans."It is a long tournament -- not a one-off; 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 different mindset and fitness will be required." The legendary pacer refused to predict any favorites but said the road will be tough 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, 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.

Asia Cup as the "second biggest tournament" in the world.

"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".

"It is the second biggest tournament in the calendar of the cricketing world. (The) World Cups and then the Asia Cup, two giants, clash of the titans… two titans, India and Pakistan then Sri Lanka, the previous Asia Cup champions last year in Dubai -- what a success that was," he added.