‘India won but there is always…..’ – Wasim Akram emphasizes challenges Team India will face as host nation in ODI World Cup 2023

India is all set to host the upcoming Men’s  Cricket World Cup 2023. Notably, India, being the host country, has earned direct qualification along with Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. In addition, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands booked a place in the upcoming mega tournament after clinching the top two spots in the Cricket World Cup qualifiers.

Notably, India last won the World Cup in 2011 and became the first nation ever to clinch the title as a host under the captaincy of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Speaking on the same subject, great Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram pointed out the disadvantages of India being the host.

There is always an extra added pressure: Wasim Akram

The Pakistan cricketer-turned-commentator affirms that the Men in Blue have a good bowling set-up. Moreover, the left-arm bowlers mentioned, Shami, Ashwin, Bumrah, and Jadeja, have very impressive bowling figures. Furthermore, the legendary cricketer also pointed out that Team India will face extra pressure as a host in the upcoming tournament.

“India have Mohammed Shami, who is very impressive and is bowling like a dream, but Bumrah needs to remain fit. I don’t know what his situation is in terms of fitness but if he is fine, it will make a huge difference. Besides, they have really good spinners and all-rounders – Jadeja, Ashwin – let’s see who plays. There have been some really good players coming from India but there are certain disadvantages of home ground. In 2011, India won but there is always an extra added pressure. Same with Pakistan. If they were the hosts, the pressure would be on them. Vice-versa,”  Akram said on Radio Haanji, being quoted by Hindustan Times.

The 1992 World Cup winner further added that he would have played on any ground without worrying. “See, I said this earlier as well. If I am asked to play on a certain date and at a certain venue, I have to play. Be it Ahmedabad, or Chennai, or Kolkata, or Mumbai… this does not affect players. So just play and don’t worry about it,” he added further.