Former Pakistani fast bowler, Sarfraz Nawaz, recently shared his perspective on the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. He perceives the Babar Azam-led Pakistani side as better-prepared and more stable than their Indian counterparts. This comes amidst speculations that India has yet to finalise their playing combination for these significant tournaments.
Nawaz stated during a media interaction in Lahore on August 11, “Pakistan has a much more settled and stable outfit for the Asia Cup and World Cup when compared to India. The Indians have still not been able to work out their final combination for these major events.” He further commented on the frequent changes in the Indian cricket team, “Captains are changing, many new players are being tried out, there are no proper combinations. I feel instead of developing the Indian side it is being destroyed.”
The former pacer also highlighted the immense pressure that India might face, hosting the World Cup and carrying the weight of not securing an ICC title for a decade. “They are always high expectations when you play at home and it creates more pressure. India’s plus point is they have some good senior performers.”
Recalling India's triumph the last time they hosted the ODI World Cup, Nawaz reminded everyone of the team's ability to overcome pressure.
An advocate of the reverse swing bowling technique, Nawaz reserved special praise for Pakistani left-arm pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi. He labeled Afridi as Pakistan’s x-factor and commented, “He is an extraordinary bowler and very, very lethal in his first two-three overs.”
Reflecting on his own career, where Nawaz secured 177 wickets in 55 Tests, he expressed confidence in Pakistan's prospects in the upcoming tournaments. He praised the selection committee for assembling a balanced squad for the series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup.
Lastly, Nawaz expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), especially to the PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, for resolving past disputes and resuming his pension and overdue payments. Addressing his recent health challenges, Nawaz emphasised the board's role in supporting former players and hoped similar gestures would be extended to others.
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