India’s South Africa tour is ill-timed: Akram

LAHORE - Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram, who is a keen follower of Indian cricket, believes that the team’s tour to South Africa is ill-timed.

In article for the Daily Times, Akram said that he did not agree with mentor Imran Khan that the tour to South Africa would help India prepare for next year’s World Cup.

“There is a serious overkill. India plays too many matches round the year and no wonder their fast bowlers are getting injured far too often. According to me, the timing of the South African tour, starting December 16, is not good at all. I will beg to differ with Imran Khan’s views on India’s upcoming tour of South Africa,” said Akram.

He said that the South Africa series was just too close to the World Cup, and he expected it to take a mental, rather than physical toll of the players.

“Any series that involved three Tests, one T20 and five ODIs is quite tiring and there is a great risk of injuries,” Akram said.

“I have already named India as the favourites for the upcoming World Cup in my previous columns. I want to reiterate the fact that Dhoni’s boys will certainly be rated very highly on present form and in favourable conditions as well,” he said.

He said that India has gelled well as a unit and is looking as the most confident team.

On Pakistan, he said that the proposed national side would be hard hit by the absence of quality bowlers like Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif.

“I think the ICC should decide their fate soon in order to help Pakistan get their squad ready well in advance,” Akram said.

Pakistan may not be favourites, but were unpredictable, Akram said.

“Nobody knows how Pakistan are going to perform on their day. So, they are one of those teams who are fearless and that makes Pakistan dangerous,” he said. (ANI)