(Source NDTV)
The iconic Pakistani pace bowler humorously pointed out the absence of Indian players from the IPL final, implying that they won’t be fatigued ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Wasim Akram, the renowned Pakistani fast bowler, humorously commented on the absence of Indian players bound for the T20 World Cup in the final match of the 2024 Indian Premier League. Interestingly, none of the players from India’s 15-member World Cup squad featured in the IPL final, with only Rinku Singh from KKR, who is part of the reserves, being involved in the match.
“Well, now atleast none of them will have to say that they are tired. They were thinking ahead, what is the point of reaching the final, India is more important, we will play with the country. But it could be a blessing in disguise for India,” said Akram on Sportskeeda.
Continuing his remarks, Akram emphasized that the players might feel fatigued after a demanding IPL season. Nevertheless, given the high fitness levels expected in modern cricket, he expressed confidence in their ability to swiftly recuperate.
“We discussed in the previous show that I was worried that they might be tired, and they will be tired, no doubt. Even America is not their route. I think Pakistan’s first match is Dallas if I remember. Now they will go and play there, one or two practice matches. It will be okay, I suppose. It is T20, the boys will recover, nowadays fitness levels are very high,” he further added.
India is scheduled to engage in a warm-up match against Bangladesh.
Notably, the initial contingent of Indian players has arrived in New York for the T20 World Cup 2024. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, and batsman Virat Kohli are set to join the squad shortly. The Indian team will commence their campaign with a warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1st, followed by their first official fixture against Ireland on June 5th.
In Group A, the Men in Blue will compete against Ireland, the United States, Canada, and their traditional rivals Pakistan. Their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan is scheduled for June 9th at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
