Shoaib Akhtar’s huge prediction for 2023 ODI World Cup Final
India going to Pakistan for the Asia Cup appears on thin ice at the moment. The same can be said about Pakistan going to India for the 2023 World Cup. Pakistan have said they would not take part in the 2023 World Cup. This will happened if India don’t come to the Asia Cup in Pakistan. Indian Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah had announced earlier that the tournament would be held in a neutral venue. Since then the two boards have been at loggerheads.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar however, had a different take on the issue. He said things will mellow down between the two countries and also predicted a big final that could take place between India and Pakistan in World Cup 2023. “India and Pakistan will play the final in the Asia Cup and also in the World Cup. India will come to Pakistan (for Asia Cup) and Pakistan will also travel to India for the World Cup. I am very hopeful that things will improve between India and Pakistan, and trade will open. I urge people from both sides to spread positivity and close the gap instead of burning bridges,” He told Sports Today.
India-Pakistan relations will improve if government relations improve – Shoaib Akhtar
The Pakistan pacer reminisced about the 2011 World Cup semi-final. India and Pakistan faced off in the epic encounter and India won by 29 runs. “I want to take revenge for the 2011 World Cup, I hadn’t played in that match. I want to watch the India vs Pakistan final in Wankhede or Ahmedabad, wherever it happens in India. I will try my level best to watch the final,” He added.
When the question was asked about India and Pakistan playing in the final of the 2023 World Cup and whether that would happen, he said, “ICB and PCB have nothing in their own hands. They can’t do anything without asking their governments (in the case of bilateral series and travel). So there is no point in giving statements. Both sides should stop giving statements. When things improve between the governments, they talk, and things will improve. Who is PCB or ICB to stop or start anything? It’s in the ICB’s interest if Pakistan land in India for the World Cup. It will be the biggest news at that point in time. But stop running your business,”
India and Pakistan have faced off in numerous World Cup encounters. In 50 over Cricket India have not been defeated by Pakistan since 1992. Pakistan won against India in the 20-20 World Cup game at the UAE in 2021. The Men in Blue and The Men in Green last played in Australia in the 20-20 World Cup where India won of the last ball.
Related Posts
