Wasim Akram Mocks India's T20 World Cup Squad for Skipping IPL Final

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram recently took a jab at the Indian men’s cricket team, pointing out that none of their 15-member squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup participated in the IPL final. His comments, shared via Sportskeeda, highlight the strategic decision by the Indian team to prioritize the World Cup over the IPL finale.

“Well, now at least 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 for the country. But it could be a blessing in disguise for India,” Akram quipped.

Prioritizing the World Cup

Akram expressed that this decision might work in India’s favor as the players would be well-rested and ready for the World Cup. He mentioned that concerns about player fatigue were now moot.

“We discussed in the previous show that I was worried they might be tired, and they will be tired, no doubt. Even America is not their road. 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 added.

Squad Movements

Key members of the Indian squad, including Yuzvendra Chahal and Avesh Khan, departed for the USA on Monday night. A larger contingent, featuring stars like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and reserves Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed, left for New York from Mumbai on Saturday night, arriving on Monday.

Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who played for Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, along with Rinku Singh, a title-winner with Kolkata Knight Riders, are expected to join soon. Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli will join the squad later.

T20 World Cup Schedule

India is set to play a warm-up game against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 1. Their World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a highly-anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9. They will then face co-hosts USA on June 12 in New York before moving to Florida to play Canada on June 15, wrapping up their Group A matches.

India, winners of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, aim to reclaim the title this year.

Conclusion

Wasim Akram’s playful remarks underscore a significant strategic move by the Indian cricket team, emphasizing the importance of the T20 World Cup. As the tournament approaches, the rested and prepared Indian squad looks forward to a promising campaign, hoping to add another World Cup trophy to their cabinet.