Shoaib Akhtar
The Pakistan cricket team is getting ready for what should be another thrilling match as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023. Pakistan, which has won two and lost two of its previous four World Cup games, will play its fifth match against neighboring Afghanistan. The meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has historically resulted in some fiercely contested games. The legendary player for Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar, isn’t anticipating much more than another match in which tensions may rise on the pitch. However, Akhtar believes that Pakistan would also be up against the spectators and the grounds crew in addition to Afghanistan.
In a video posted to Twitter, Akhtar cautioned the men of Babar Azam not to treat Afghanistan lightly. He clarified that the competition would not be biased.
It goes beyond #PAKvsAFG. It’s the mob against Pak. Pak is facing the groundskeepers. Hard match on our end. Akhtar wrote as the caption for the video: “Afghanistan is a formidable team; they are no pushovers or minnows.”
“This is a big, important match. In this match, you know, tempers will flare. Afghanistan is by no means a minnow. There won’t be a rematch. ‘Upsets’ will not be tolerated on this type of team.
Its not just #PAKvsAFG .
Its Pak vs the crowd.
Its Pak vs the groundsmen.
Tough match for us. Afghanistan is a tough team, they're not any minnow or roll over. pic.twitter.com/8RgeUOYcMP— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 22, 2023
This is a squad that can compete with Pakistan. They will cause problems for the Pakistani team because they have all the spinners. In the video, Akhtar stated, “Pakistan cannot afford to lose to Afghanistan—in fact, they cannot afford to lose to anyone.”
The former pacer for Pakistan believes that Afghanistan’s spinners will be greatly benefited by the pitches in Chepauk. They would even have the support of the crowd.
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“Let me tell you, Afghanistan benefits from terrific pitches, ground support, and crowd support—all of which work in their favor. Whether you bowl during the day or in the dark, I believe the spinning track—which will be present—will favor spinners,” said Akhtar.
