Former Pakistan captain and veteran pacer Wasim Akram believes that being the host country in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India will be under immense pressure, which might turn out to be harmful for them. Wasim Akram further said that big tournaments like the World Cup have advantages as well as disadvantages for the host country. The bowling legend advised Team India head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma to prepare the team from now on to face the pressure in the upcoming mega ICC event. Notably, India are favorites to win the World Cup this year as the last three editions of the tournament have been won by the host nation. Also, India winning the World Cup in 2011 was the first time in tournament's history when a host team won the mega 50-overs tournament.
ALSO READ | BCCI Releases Media Rights Tender For Team India's International And Domestic Matches
Akram said that even though India won the World Cup in 2011, there was a lot of pressure on MS Dhoni and his team back then and things are not going to be any different this time too for Rohit Sharma & Co. Talking about India's chances in the tournament, Akram said that the bowling attack of the Indian cricket team desperately needs Jasprit Bumrah to be fully fit for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
"Of course.. 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," said Wasim Radio Haanji.
Akram suggested Pakistan should not complain about the dates and venues of the matches and go on about their business.
"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," Wasim added.