Kamran Akmal opposes PCB’s plan B to deal with Asia Cup cancelation

Kamran Akmal, a former Test cricketer, believes that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed strategy to play against weaker teams in the Asia Cup 2023 window is not a viable option for the national team before the ICC World Cup in India. In an interview with the media in Lahore, Akmal, who resigned from his selection committee role due to his commitments during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, stated that playing against Zimbabwe or Ireland before the World Cup would not be ideal for the national side.

Kamran Akmal opposes PCB's plan B to deal with Asia Cup cancelation

Kamran Akmal suggested that if there is no Asia Cup, there is no need to invite Zimbabwe or Ireland, or at most, the A-team should play against them. He emphasized that it is essential for Pakistan to play tough cricket before going to the World Cup, as recommended by legendary players such as Inzamam, Javed Miandad, and Imran Khan. They used to say that Pakistan should always play with a good team before a significant tournament. Even if they lose, playing against tough teams will boost their confidence and benefit the team.

The PCB has reportedly contacted various boards to arrange bilateral or triangular series in the event of the Asia Cup’s cancellation in September due to India’s pressure. South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies, and Ireland have so far been contacted. There are high chances of a triangular series involving South Africa and Zimbabwe. Kamran Akmal is comfortable if Pakistan plays against South Africa before the mega-event, stating that playing against them, whether in their country or theirs, would be excellent for the team’s confidence.

South Africa and Zimbabwe are the two teams that will be free in the Asia Cup window in September this year, according to the FTP. South Africa will host Australia from August 30 to September 17 for three T20Is and five ODIs. After September 17, South Africa will be free until the World Cup in India. Zimbabwe has no scheduled series in September this year, but it will play World Cup qualifiers at home in June-July.

It should be noted that Australia, New Zealand, and England have busy schedules during the Asia Cup window. However, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will be occupied in the case of India’s five-nation tournament. The PCB management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, is currently in Dubai to meet with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives.

Read : Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka to Host Tournament as India Refuses to Travel to…

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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