Are India Favourites For Asia Cup 2023? Pakistan Legend's 'Dangerous' Verdict

Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram on Sunday said the upcoming Asia Cup will test readiness of subcontinental bowlers for 50-overs cricket ahead of the ODI World Cup, but refused to pick any favourites for the tournament. The Asia Cup begins on Wednesday with Pakistan taking on Nepal in the tournament-opener in Multan, but all eyes are fixed on the mega clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Kandy on September 2. "Be it India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka, we will find out if the bowlers are able to deliver 10 overs or not, now-a-days they are all used to bowling four-overs (per game)," Akram told reporters here during a tournament sponsor's event.

The competition will revert to 50-overs format in this edition after being organised in T20 version last year, and Akram welcomed the change.

"This is a good idea by ACC to have a 50-over Asia Cup because right after it we have the World Cup," he said.

Akram said all teams will be challenged on the parameters of fitness and game plans.

"It is a long tournament -- not a one-off that you can enter the semifinals after winning one game," he said.

"You have to win games to get on top. You have to take it game by game. Also, it is a 50-over competition (this time) not T20, which means different mindset and fitness will be required." The legendary pacer refused to predict any favourites but said the road will be tough for all sides.

"Last time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan final but Sri Lanka won the competition. All three teams are dangerous -- anyone can win on their day," Akram said.

"There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final.

"India versus Pakistan is very important, we know about so much