Akram, Akhtar say Pak has realistic chance of winning ICC Champions Trophy

Karachi: Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have said that Pakistan has a realistic chance of winning the ICC Champions Trophy in England, and that the key to success in English conditions would be a collective effort from the Pakistan team.

The Nation quoted Akhtar, as saying that Pakistan`s opening match against the West Indies will be the most crucial one for them, as the result will either set the momentum for the team or pull their morale down. The fast bowler said that the fact that many of the West Indian players had appeared in the Indian Premier League should not be a concern for Pakistan. Akhtar felt that while the match against India would be a high-pressure one, beating South Africa would be very important for Pakistan. Akram was quoted as saying that Pakistan should also not be worried about the form of Chris Gayle. He is a dangerous player but I think our new ball pace attack of Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan will cause him problems in England and can contain him, he added. ANI