Srikkanth throws hard-hitting views on why Pakistan can't be favourites for 2023 World Cup

The schedule for the 2023 ODI World Cup was announced earlier this week, with India opening their campaign on October 8 against Australia. The blockbuster clash between India and their arch-rivals Pakistan takes place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium exactly a week later; the 2023 tournament will see Pakistan return to Indian soil for the first time since 2016 when Shahid Afridi's side toured the country for the T20 World Cup.

In a sub-continental tournament, the sides hailing from the region are usually favourites and it's a no-brainer that India are seen as the top contender to lift the trophy in November. This year, however, there remains a lack of conviction among the other sides in the subcontinent. While Sri Lanka haven't yet qualified for the 2023 edition, Bangladesh and Afghanistan haven't been consistent in the 50-over format. As for Pakistan, the side is usually counted among hot favourites in Asia, but former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that the current side – led by Babar Azam – lacks experience in India.

Also read: 'He will do what Yuvraj did in 2011': Srikkanth's colossal 2023 World Cup prediction for Team India

During a chat with India Today, Srikkanth stated that most players from the side haven't played in India, and that could have a detrimental effect on Pakistan's campaign.

“I am not ruling them out. I would like to see what kind of team they are going to select; that’s the most important thing. Pakistan has always fought well in India. The last time, in the 2011 World Cup, when they played in India, they lost to India in the semifinals in Mohali," Srikkanth said.

“I am not ruling out Pakistan. Yes, they are used to sub-continent conditions, but the point is, they have not played in India for a long time,” he added.

In fact, none of Pakistan's players in their last ODI XI (on May 7 against New Zealand) has played in India. There are, however, active cricketers like Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Amir among others who were part of the XI when Pakistan last played on Indian soil at the 2016 World Cup. All three are currently out of consideration for the ODI side.

The last time India met Pakistan in an ODI was at the 2019 World Cup when a Virat Kohli-led side had cruised to an 89-run win (D/L method).

Earlier in the interview, Srikkanth had stated that he sees one of India, Australia, and England lifting the cup.