Shoaib Akhtar makes a big statement on India vs Pakistan 20-20 World Cup 2022 clash

India and Pakistan will face each other in the 20-20 World Cup in Melbourne on October 23 later this year. The last time both teams played each other, the Green Brigade thrashed the Men In Blue by 10 wickets. This was the first time the 2009 20-20 World Cup winners had beaten their Asian neighbours in the history of the tournament. The result shocked the Indian fans as they didn't expect their team to lose.

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Meanwhile, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said that the Rohit Sharma-led side can't put together a random playing XI without defining their roles. Akhtar mentioned that the team management needs to select a solid team. He feels that the Indo-Pak clash won't be a walkover for the Babar Azam-led side.

"India cannot go about and select a random team against Pakistan without defining their roles. I think, the management should select the team carefully and I fully believe it will be a solid team. It won't be a walkover for Pakistan this time around," Akhtar said in an interaction with Harbhajan Singh on Sportskeeda.

The Rawalpindi-born player added that the wicket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) plays well and Pakistan must bowl first ideally. The former speedster also feels that the majority of the crowd will be supporting which is why the pressure will be on Pakistan.

"The wicket at the MCG plays quite well. Bowling second would be ideal for Pakistan to win the match against India. There will be a crowd of 100,000, out of which 70,000 will be supporting India so, the pressure will be on Pakistan," the former speedster added.

It is learnt that the tickets for the mother of all clashes have been sold out. Meanwhile, both these teams will face each other in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka this year. However, given the current situation in the country, it is highly likely that the tournament will be shifted. The United Arab Emirates could be the front runner.