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'Pakistan's Rise Can be Attributed to...': R Ashwin 'Warns' India Ahead of Asia Cup 2023

image-llxb7xxvBabar Azam & Muhammad Rizwan have been pivotal in Pakistan's transformation (Twitter)

In the lead-up to the Asia Cup 2023, while traditional giants India and Pakistan are being touted as the title contenders, it's the Men in Green's remarkable turnaround in the last half-decade that has been the talking point.

Ashwin deciphered Pakistan's rise ahead of Asia Cup 2023

Recently, speaking on his YouTube channel, Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin dug deep into the resurgence of the Pakistan team.

Having won the Asia Cup multiple times, India remains a force to reckon with. However, the spotlight is also firmly on Pakistan due to their massive rise in recent years. Reflecting on this resurgence, Ashwin heaped praise on Pakistan and credited their success to their captain Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan.

"I used to envy looking at the Pakistan side. 5-6 years back, they used to struggle in big tournaments like Asia Cup and World Cup. Yes, of course, they have won big tournaments in the past. They have won the 1992 World Cup and delivered a consistent performance in the T20 World Cup. The main reason for the last 5-6 years' rise can be attributed to Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan," said Ashwin.



But the Indian stalwart believes there's more to Pakistan's success story. Pointing to the vast experience gained by Pakistani players from their participation in global leagues, Ashwin stated the role of diverse conditions in shaping their skills.

"Their exposure to different leagues has been a major reason for their re-emergence in the last 5-6 years. They have PSL. In the recent BBL drafts they were at least 60-70 Pakistan players. They are playing Test cricket and play their own T20 leagues. But they are also playing all around the world. That's why in the last 5-6 years, Pakistan are not only producing world-class cricketers but these talents are only delivering in the big stages,” added the spin maestro.

With Sri Lanka being the primary host for this year's Asia Cup, Ashwin believes Pakistan's familiarity with the conditions, given their significant representation in the Lanka Premier League, might just give them an edge.

"This year's Asia Cup's most games will be played in Sri Lanka. Who else are more equipped for Sri Lankan conditions than Pakistan? Because almost all the foreigners in the Lanka Premier League are Pakistanis,” concluded Ashwin.