‘They will build it up like Mahabharata’ – Former Pakistan pacer questions pressure mounted on Indian team by media ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Ahead of the prestigious ODI World Cup 2023, India announced their squad on September 5. The 15-member squad is currently facing Indian subcontinent teams countries in the Asia Cup 2023. The main objective and goal of the team is to win the ODI World Cup at home. Hosting the tournament will also add to the pressure, as the team hasn’t won a global tournament since 2013.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar said that the Indian team will be under immense pressure due to their media. He believes that the Green Brigade will handle less pressure. “The Indian media will put an incredible amount of pressure on Pakistan; they will build it up like the Mahabharata. That is an uncalled amount of pressure to have ahead of the game”, says the former speedster during a press conference organized by Star Sports.

“They will say that India will defeat Pakistan with ease, and that is where things will turn topsy-turvy. Rohit Sharma and India are going to face a lot of pressure because of that because they will already be portrayed as the winners. Pakistan will be under no pressure because the media will expect them to lose,” Akhtar further added.

“Pakistan will win the World Cup” – Shoaib Akhtar

Further speaking about the chances of the Pakistan cricket team winning the showpiece event, Akhtar said that if Babar Azam and company play without any fear, they will lift the trophy. “Pakistan can win the ODI World Cup if they play without fear. India does not have any stadiums that host less than 50,000 people. 2 billion people will watch the game when India plays Pakistan in the World Cup,” he said.

It’s worth noting that India will face arch-rival Pakistan in the ODI World Cup on October 14 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the crucial game, India will face Pakistan in the Super 4 game of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 10, at Colombo International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.