Cricket fans especially from India and Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the start of 2023 ODI World Cup that will be held in October. The 10-man tournament which will be held in India, will start with New Zealand taking on England on October 5. (More Cricket News)
As for India, the Rohit Sharma-led team will open their account on October 8 against the might Australians.
As all the teams are preparing for the marquee event, former Pakistan pacer and 1992 World Cup winner Wasim Akram has issued warning for Team India.
Akram was of the opinion that despite playing on home conditions, the 2011 champions will be under pressure to deliver especially playing in front of home crowd.
"Of course… India have Mohammed Shami, who is very impressive and is bowling like a dream, but Bumrah needs to remain fit. I don't know what his situation is in terms of fitness but if he is fine, it will make a huge different. Besides, they have really good spinners and all-rounders – Jadeja, Ashwin – let's see who plays," Akram was quoted as speaking on Radio Haanji.
"There have been some really good players coming from India but there are certain disadvantages of home ground. In 2011, India won but there is always an extra added pressure. Same with Pakistan. If they were the hosts, the pressure would be on them. Vice-versa," he added.
The one fixture that many fans are excited about is India taking on Pakistan that will be held on October 14 in Ahmedabad. Earlier, the ICC had announced it on October 15 but due to Navratri, the fixture has been rescheduled.
"See, I said this earlier as well. If I am asked to play on a certain date and at a certain venue, I have to play. Be it Ahmedabad, or Chennai, or Kolkata, or Mumbai… this does not affect players. So just play and don't worry about it," said Akram.
