India have Mohammed Shami who is bowling like a dream, but Jasprit Bumrah needs to remain fit: Wasim Akram

With the 2023 Cricket World Cup two months away, former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram opened up about India's chances in the showpiece event. India will kick start their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Akram said that Mohammed Shami could be a key player in the Indian team, but Jasprit Bumrah's presence would benefit the team to a greater extent despite having the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

"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 different. Besides, they have really good spinners and all-rounders – Jadeja, Ashwin – let's see who plays," Akram said on Radio Haanji.

He went on to say that India might take advantage since they are playing at home, which would be disastrous for them. He mentioned India's 2011 World Cup triumph and warned them to be prepared to play under pressure.

"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," he added.

Venues do not affect Pakistan players: Akram

Wasim Akram went on to suggest that the Pakistan team will not be concerned about the venues. What matters, according to the 57-year-old, is to play good cricket.

"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," Akram concluded.

According to recent reports, India and Pakistan will face off on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. As per the initial schedule released by the ICC (International Cricket Council), the match was scheduled to take place on October 15 at the same venue. Pakistan will play all of its matches in four different venues, while India will travel to nine different places.