Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has said that Asia Cup 2023 will be a good test for fast bowlers ahead of the ODI World Cup, set to be played in India in the months of October and November.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be returning to the 50-over game for the first time since September 2022 and all eyes will be on him ahead of the premier tournament of the world. Speaking at an event in Dubai, Akram said that it will be a proper test for the bowlers who have got used to bowling just 4 overs in a game.
“Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we will find out if the bowlers are able to deliver 10 overs or not, nowadays they are all used to bowling four overs (per game),” Akram told reporters here during a tournament sponsor’s event.
While the 2022 competition was in a T20I format, this one will be a 50-over per side game keeping ODI World Cup 2023 in mind. Akram welcomed the change for the same reason and said the format will test the skills of the players.
“It is a long tournament — not a one-off that you can enter the semifinals after winning one game,” Akram said.
“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 further 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,” Akram said.
“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,” the legendary pacer concluded.
