New Delhi: The 2023 ODI World Cup schedule was announced earlier this week, with India's campaign getting start on October 8 against Australia. Exactly one week later, at the 2023 tournament, India and Pakistan square off in a highly anticipated match at the famous Narendra Modi Stadium. This would mark Pakistan's first visit to Indian Territory since Shahid Afridi's team's 2016 T20 World Cup tour.
In a sub-continental tournament, the sides hailing from the region are usually favourites and it's a no-brainer that India are seen as the top contender to lift the trophy in November. The other sides in the subcontinent, though, seem to lack conviction this year. Bangladesh and Afghanistan haven't consistently performed well in the 50-over format, while Sri Lanka hasn't yet qualified for the 2023 tournament. Even though Pakistan is always one of the hot favourites in Asia, Babar Azam's current team, according to former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth, lacks experience playing in India.
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The majority of the team's players haven't competed in India, according to Srikkanth, and it may be bad for Pakistan's campaign.
“I am not ruling them out. I would like to see what kind of team they are going to select; that’s the most important thing. Pakistan has always fought well in India. The last time, in the 2011 World Cup, when they played in India, they lost to India in the semifinals in Mohali," Srikkanth said.
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“I am not ruling out Pakistan. Yes, they are used to sub-continent conditions, but the point is, they have not played in India for a long time,” he added.
In reality, none of the players in Pakistan's most recent ODI lineup (against New Zealand on May 7) have ever played in India. However, there are still active cricketers who were a part of the XI when Pakistan last played on Indian soil at the 2016 World Cup, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Amir. The three are not currently being considered for the ODI team.
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