LAHORE: Pakistani cricket hero Wasim Akram on Monday urged players, fans and the media to move on from recent high-profile problems and get behind the country to win the 2011 World Cup.
Although Wasim termed India as favourites for the next year’s ICC World Cup, he felt that Pakistan is also capable of regaining the title.
Wasim viewed Pakistan as one of the most unpredictable teams of the world. “Let’s forget what problems we’ve been going through recently and with a positive frame of mind support the Pakistan team to win next year’s World Cup.
Problems have certainly hurt the team’s preparations, but Pakistan is one team which can beat any team in the world on its day,” he stated, while addressing a gathering assembled to celebrate the ICC and Castrol association for the next five years.
“Their resilience is tremendous and they can come out of any situation to win a match,” said Wasim, who has played 104 Tests and 352 one-day matches for cricket-mad Pakistan.
“They turn the tables at times when no one is expecting it,” he maintained. Castrol presented the 2011 World Cup Trophy at the gathering, which was unveiled just the other day in the presence of Pakistan men’s cricket team at Royal Palm Golf Club. A standing ovation was also given to the Lahore-based four members of the Pakistan women’s team that won the Asian Games gold medal.
“Pakistan is a highly talented team and has the ability to do wonders when on song. We as a nation should support them,” he said. PCB director cricket operations Zakir Khan, Veterans Cricket Secretary Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, Castrol officials Liaqat Qadri and Hasan Zubari were also present on the occasion.
