Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar said that he wants the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 between hosts India and Pakistan later this year.
The Rawalpindi Express also wants the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team to avenge the 2011 World Cup semifinal loss to India this year.
Notably, Shoaib was part of the Pakistan squad in the 2011 World Cup, but he didn’t feature in the playing XI in the semifinal, which they lost by 29 runs against India in Mohali.
He also claimed that the Pakistan team coming to India for the 2023 World Cup would be bigger news than the tournament itself.
Shoaib Akhtar told Sports Tak: “I want an India vs Pakistan final, whether they are playing in Mumbai or Ahmedabad. 2011 ka badla lena hai is baar (Want to avenge the loss of 2011 semifinal). Pakistan landing in India will be bigger news than the World Cup.”
The former pacer also lamented both the BCCI and PCB for making unnecessary comments over Asia Cup 2023, saying both boards couldn’t do anything without consulting their governments.
Notably, BCCI is not ready to send Team India to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, and PCB said if they wouldn’t come, then they would boycott the 2023 ODI World Cup to be held in India.
Akhtar said: “These are trash talks. Neither BCCI or PCB can do anything in this matter. BCCI can’t do anything without asking the Indian government. Our board also can’t do anything without consulting our government. Everyone gives their opinion when it comes to the India-Pakistan tie.”
He signed off by saying, “I have a request to all the former players from both sides; please stay away from making unnecessary comments. If Narendra Modi-led government will give the green light, who is BCCI to decide that they will travel to Pakistan.”
