'The UAE is Pakistan’s second home ground and they understand UAE’s wicket very well in comparison to the other teams,' Akhtar said
Dubai: 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib Akhtar feels Pakistan can be dangerous in the upcoming Asia Cup and advised the Pakistan players to play fearless cricket in next two weeks. India and Pakistan are slated to clash in an Asia Cup clash on September 19 at the Dubai International Stadium.
India have hardly played matches in the UAE. They had played the last series here in 2006. "I think this is the main advantage for the Pakistan team. The UAE is Pakistan’s second home ground and they understand UAE’s wicket very well in comparison to the other teams. I think the series will be exciting,” Akhtar said.
After the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan have been playing all their home games in the UAE. “We are playing here for almost over 10 years. The Indian team played their last series here way back in 2006. They won one match and another was tied. But don’t forget, even without Virat Kohli, India have a huge batting line-up. There will be high-scoring matches in the entire series. But don’t forget, India have always had a poor record against Pakistan in Sharjah and Dubai. So the advantage is with Pakistan,” Akhtar said.
Everyone knows Pakistan produces quality bowlers. This time also they have a pacer called Shaheen Afridi. According to Akhtar, he will be the X factor for Pakistan in the Asia Cup. "According to my calculation, he’s a wonderful bowler. He recently played the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in UAE. So he knows the condition and wickets very well. He can reverse the ball nicely. I guess he can create trouble for India. Waiting for him to perform in the Asia Cup,” Akhtar noted.
There were rumours in Pakistan that Akhtar will join politics. Akhtar, however, denied this. “I love politics but my mom doesn’t want to see me in politics. She always told me to keep away from this. The new prime minister Imran Khan had invited me to join politics. He feels that I have the brain that a politician requires, but as of now, no possibility. In future, definitely I think,” Akhtar said.
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