‘The first-class and domestic set-up, then they can start to compete with the top teams’- Wasim Akram on Nepal’s qualification in Asia Cup
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram recently opened up on Nepal’s qualification in the Asia Cup 2023 during the recent event of unveiling the continental tournament’s trophy in Dubai. Asia Cup 2023 will be conducted in a hybrid model wherein the matches will be conducted in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Wasim Akram spoke about the craze of cricket in Nepal. He recalled looking at an image of a packed stadium during the cricket match where people were also sitting on trees to watch the game.
While congratulating Nepal for their qualification, Wasim Akram talked about how it is necessary for them to showcase their talent and structure after the massive qualification. Nepal will compete against India and Pakistan in Pool A and will have to defeat either both the opponents or at least one with a good net run rate to qualify for the super four stage of the tournament.
Wasim Akram on Cricket craze in Nepal
“I have been following Nepal. They qualified and have done really well. Cricket interest is humongous there. I have seen the pictures from one of the matches where the stadium was packed, and half the people were sitting in trees outside,” said Wasim Akram while unveiling the Asia Cup trophy.
“That is the passion for the game, and it is only going to get bigger and bigger. Congratulations to Nepal for the way they have qualified. Now they just have to improve their structure, the first-class and domestic set-up, then they can start to compete with the top teams,” added Wasim Akram.
When asked about the political differences between the two countries, Wasim Akram said that one should never mix politics and Sports with each other, since interpersonal contact is important. Akram also believes that love and respect have always stuck with both India and Pakistan.
“I always maintain that politics and sport should be apart from each other. People-to-people contact is very important and the average Indian and Pakistani does love and respect each other, so I hope sanity prevails,” said Wasim Akram
