ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: What Wasim Akram thinks of Pakistan's chances in the tournament

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram remains bullish on Pakistan's chances in this year's ICC World Cup, provided key players remain fit and "play according to the plan". The former Pakistani pacer, who was part of Imran Khan-led side which clinched 1992 World Cup, told ICC that subcontinent conditions in India will also favour his former side.

"As long as they are fit and as long as they play according to the plan, they will have a chance of doing well in that World Cup because it is played in our type of conditions in India on the sub-continent," Wasim Akram told ICC.

International Cricket Council on Tuesday released the schedule of Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, featuring 48 matches to be played across 46 days. Defending champions England take on runner-up New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India's World Cup campaign will begin with a match against Australia on October 8 in Chennai while the much-awaited India vs Pakistan is scheduled on October 15 in Ahmedabad. The final will also take place in Ahmedabad.


Pakistan is currently ranked No 2 in ODIs after Australia, according to ICC. "We have a good side...a very good one-day side and are led by one of the modern-day greats in Babar Azam (No.1-ranked ODI batter)," Wasim said.

After the ICC World Cup schedule was announced, the Pakistan Cricket Board has said made it clear that its participation in the ODI World Cup will be subject to government clearance. But ICC remains "confident" that the Babar Azam-led team will compete in the 50-over showpiece.

"We have already informed the ICC that our participation in the tournament or any issues over venues is linked to firstly the PCB getting clearance from the government to travel to India," news agency ANI quoted an PCB as saying.