'Indian team on path of self-destruction' - Former Pakistani pacer laments India's experiments ahead of WC

Former Pakistan pacer Sarfaraz Nawaz believes the Babar Azam-led squad is a more solid one than India, who have yet to "work out" their combinations ahead of the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.

"When compared to India, Pakistan has a much more settled and stable squad for the Asia Cup and World Cup." "The Indians have yet to finalise their lineup for these major events," Nawaz told the media in Lahore on Friday.

"Captains are changing, many new players are being tried out, and no proper combinations exist." Instead of developing the Indian side, I believe it is being destroyed," he continued.

He also mentioned that with the World Cup in their own home, India will be under a lot of strain, and not winning an ICC crown in ten years will also weigh on the players' thoughts.

"When you play at home, there are always high expectations, which adds to the pressure." The fact that India has several good senior performers is a benefit."

The previous time an ODI World Cup was held in India, India triumphed against the strain.

Nawaz, who is widely recognised as the father of reverse swing bowling and famously took seven wickets for one run against Australia in Melbourne, also believed that Pakistan's x-factor in major games was left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"He is an exceptional bowler who is lethal in his first two three overs." "I have rarely seen a bowler with such control over swing, seam, pace, and yorkers with the new ball," remarked Nawaz, who took 177 wickets in 55 Tests.

He stated that Shaheen would be crucial to his team in the forthcoming 50-over competitions.

"I am confident that Pakistan will do well in both of these events because we have a stable side that Babar Azam is leading well." "I believe the selection committee chose a very balanced squad for the series against Afghanistan and the Asia Cup."

Nawaz, who earlier this week ended a long-running feud with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which had resulted in the suspension of his pension and other payments, expressed gratitude to PCB president Zaka Ashraf for resuming his payments and paying him his arrears.

"I've had health issues, and I really needed the board's help." They should do the same for other former players, in my opinion."