Thaindian News

Karachi, Feb 20(ANI): Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) ban on Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir would not affect the national team, and predicted that they still have enough firepower to succeed in the World Cup.

The trio was banned for at least five years earlier this month after they were found guilty of ’spot-fixing’ charges by an ICC tribunal in Doha.

“Pakistan has a very good chance to win the World Cup. This team is doing well for the last six-seven months. Yes, Amir and Asif are not there, that’s a huge loss, but the team Pakistan can indeed do well,” PakPassion.net quoted Inzamam, as saying.

“I don’t know why people are saying ‘Pakistan can cause upsets’. If Pakistan beat Australia or Sri Lanka, that should not be called an ‘upset’ as Pakistan is good enough and capable of beating any team in this event,” he added.

The 40-year-old further believes that Pakistan’s varied and experienced bowling unit will keep them as one of the favourites of the six-week tournament.

“Pakistan has a very good bowling attack, our fast bowlers can reverse the ball and have an advantage in sub-continental conditions. Wahab and Gul are bowling well and Shoaib can do well in the subcontinent. Wahab has got wickets in New Zealand and his confidence is high,” Inzamam said.

He was equally glowing in his praise for the Pakistani spin attack.

“Our spin department is very good. The spinners’ role is very crucial in the subcontinent and I am sure Pakistan’s spinners will control things in the middle of the innings,” Inzamam said. (ANI)