Former Pakistan cricketer, Zaheer Abbas is rooting for his country ahead of the Asia Cup 2018. The International Cricket Council (ICC) president is backing his side to lift the coveted cup.
Pakistan is placed along with defending champions India and Hong Kong in group A, whereas, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan fall in the other group.
For India, Rohit Sharma will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. The 29-year-old has been rested to manage the work-load ahead of the Australia tour.
However, Kohli led India in the recently concluded Test series in England, and the hosts walked out victorious with a 4-1 margin.
Zaheer Abbas backs Pakistan to win Asia Cup 2018
“The way Pakistan are playing these days I believe that they would be the favourites for the Asia Cup title. Then there would be India, and I think that the main battle for supremacy is going to be fought between these two teams,” Abbas was quoted as saying by Pakistan daily, The News International.
He also echoed the views of the fans and said the highlight of the tournament would be the Indo-Pak battle.
“That [India vs Pakistan] is going to be the most important game of the tournament. Everybody likes to watch Pakistan-India games as they produce high-voltage action” he added.
Kohli-less India in the Asia Cup
The Pakistan great also felt India would miss Kohli dearly. He also said that India has some quality players in the side. The likes of Ambati Rayudu and Khaleel Ahmed will look to make an impression.
“Kohli is India’s biggest match-winner, and his team is certainly going to miss him in the Asia Cup. That said, the Indians have some really good ODI players in their squad,” he said.