Former Pakistan cricketer Sarafaraz Nawaz has slammed the constant experimentation from Indian team management in the build-up to the ODI World Cup 2023. The 74-year-old was blunt in his criticism, stating that the Indian team are on the path of self-destruction, with the Asia Cup 2023 happening first in August and September before the quadrennial spectacle of world cricket comes around in October and November of this year.
Sarfaraz Nawaz, who is also known as one of the initial purveyors of reverse swing, talked about how Pakistan is a better outfit than India currently, in terms of balance and stability, with big challenges lying ahead. But, he also stated that Men in Blue have good senior players in their setup, amidst all the doom and gloom otherwise.
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While speaking to the media in Lahore on August 11, Friday, the 74-year-old was quoted as saying, “Pakistan has a much more settled and stable outfit for the Asia Cup and World Cup when compared to India. The Indians have still not been able to work out their final combination for these major events.”
“Captains are changing, many new players are being tried out, and there are no proper combinations. I feel instead of developing the Indian side it is being destroyed. They are always high expectations when you play at home and it creates more pressure. India’s plus point is they have some good senior performers,” he added.
Sarfaraz Nawaz also talked about how good Shaheen Afridi has become as a fast bowler, especially with the new ball in his hand, while saying, “He (Shaheen Afridi) is an extraordinary bowler and very very lethal in his first two-three overs. I have rarely seen a bowler with such control over swing, seam and pace and yorkers with the new ball.”
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The Lahore-born also seemed confident about the chances of Pakistan in the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup under the leadership of Babar Azam. “I am confident that Pakistan can do really well in both these events because we have a settled side and Babar Azam is leading them well. I think the selection committee has also picked a very balanced squad for the series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup,” remarked Sarfaraz Nawaz.
