Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram predicted that the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team is a strong contender to win the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be held in India in October and November.

The legendary bowler also explained why he felt Pakistan could go on to win the World Cup in 2023 in India. He said that Babar is a great captain, and he has one of the world’s best fast-bowling attacks, which makes the Men in Green red-hot favorites to win the coveted trophy on Indian soil.

Wasim Akram was quoted as saying by Sports Tak: “Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world. Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder.”

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He added, “Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. (Mohammad) Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly.”

Speaking on the Indian batters’ issue against the left-arm pacers, the legendary bowler said: “It is the angle that makes it difficult and especially when ball the comes in. At the same time India have some great top-order player. Be it, Virat Kohli, be it, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, all of them are greats of the game and they will figure out the problems.”

Akram also lauded Mitchell Star who picked up 5 wickets in the second ODI against India. He signed off by saying, “Let’s give credit to Mitchell Starc. He bowled brilliantly and the pitch was also very lively. And the way the ball was seaming around at one point I thought I am seeing a match in Australia or New Zealand.”