Shoaib Akhtar Hints At IND vs PAK Final in World Cup?

image-lfie5oskIndia faced Pakistan last in the 2022 T20 World Cup (Twitter)

Shoaib Akhtar or better known as The Rawalpindi Express, a retired Pakistani fast bowler, expressed his optimism that India and Pakistan will face each other in the final of the 2023 World Cup later this year. He recalled Pakistan's defeat against India in the semifinals of the 2011 World Cup in Mohali and believes that the current Pakistani team led by Babar Azam will be eager to avenge that loss.

"I want an India-Pakistan final in the World Cup. We have to avenge the 2011 defeat, the one where I didn't play (laughs). I will surely be there wherever the final is, " said Shoaib in an exclusive interview with SportsTak

Cricket experts from India and Pakistan have been discussing whether the two teams should have bilateral matches or not. Some controversial remarks have been made about whether India will participate in the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, and whether Pakistan will boycott the 2023 World Cup.

Shoaib Akhtar, on the other hand, thinks that it's not necessary to escalate the situation and that only the governments of both countries can find a resolution to this matter.

"Why is there a need to speak on India-Pakistan matters when the governments of the two countries will eventually speak and sort things out? Things that are being said should stop from both sides and we should try to close the gap. Hopefully, some solution arises in the future. Pakistan will travel to the World Cup and hopefully India will also tour Pakistan in future."

Although the games between these two teams have always been intense, but the pressure will be even greater for both teams in a World Cup knockout game. It will be an exciting yet thrilling match to watch all over the world.

It is also important to mention that if Pakistan chooses to boycott the 2023 World Cup scheduled to take place in India, they may be subjected to penalties from the International Cricket Council (ICC).