The high-octane India versus Pakistan clash in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Before the World Cup game, the arch-rivals are due to square off in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2 in Pallekele.
If the two teams qualify for the Super-4 stage, they will lock horns again on September 10 in Colombo while reaching the final would put them against each other for the third time in the competition on September 17.
Ahead of multiple blockbuster encounters, former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed has said that the Babar Azam-led side has a chance to beat India in both marquee tournaments.
In a conversation with 'Events & Happenings Sports', Aaqib also opined that most of the senior Indian players will be playing their final ODI games in the impending World Cup.
"Many a times you head into World Cup thinking this might the last for a couple of players. This time I feel it is happening to India. When stars become larger than life, it becomes difficult for team management to make decisions. That is why of look and compare all the departments, Pakistan have a very good chance this time," Aaqib Javed said.
When asked about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Aaqib said the skipper won't be around for long while the former India captain hasn't been as consistent as Babar in recent times.
"How long is Rohit Sharma going to play? About Kohli, if you compare him with Babar, then he has one outstanding season and then there is a decline. He is a brilliant player but in patches. He is not as consistent as Babar. That is why I'm saying this is Pakistan best chance to beat India again in a World Cup match," he remarked.
For the record, Pakistan have never defeated India in the history of ODI World Cups. The arch-rivals have faced each other seven times, with India winning the games on all occasions.