We have to avenge 2011 defeat, want India vs Pakistan final in World Cup 2023: Shoaib Akhtar

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is wishing for Pakistan to avenge their loss against India at the 2011 World Cup but beating them at the final of the upcoming edition in October-November this year.

Notably, India will be hosting the 2023 World Cup later this year, and Shoaib is wishing for a final clash between the two arch-rivals.

India had defeated Pakistan by 29 runs in Mohali at the 2011 World Cup which was hosted in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"I want an India-Pakistan final in the World Cup. We have to avenge the 2011 defeat, the one where I didn't play (laughs). I will surely be there wherever the final is," Akhtar told Sports Tak.

The 47-year-old was also asked for his views on the cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. Notably, the BCCI and PCB have been at loggerheads lately after the former's rigid stance to not send India to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 later this year. PCB has retaliated and threatened that Pakistan will boycott the following World Cup in India.

Shoaib Akhtar: War of words should stop from both sides

Akhtar suggested that no comments to add fuel to the fire should be made and things should be left to the governments of the two countries.

"Why is there a need to speak on India-Pakistan matters when the governments of the two countries will eventually speak and sort things out? Things that are being said should stop from both sides and we should try to close the gap. Hopefully, some solution arises in the future. Pakistan will travel to the World Cup and hopefully India will also tour Pakistan in future," he said.

The two countries last played a bilateral series against each other in 2012-13. Notably, Pakistan defeated India at the 2021 T20 World Cup and then at the Asia Cup in 2022. India's campaigns at the two events were derailed following the defeats.