Sangakkara, Doull pick two Pakistanis in their best ever World Cup XI

Former cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Simon Doull handpicked a strong team as their ideal World Cup XI, giving credit to Pakistan's legendary cricketers, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram.

While speaking on Star Sports, Sangakkara lauded Akram's versatility, emphasizing his ability to swing, seam, and change the pace effectively, making him a pivotal asset in their lineup. He acknowledged Akram's game-changing performance in the 1992 World Cup, particularly highlighting his crucial role in altering the course of a critical match against England.

"I think his [Wasim Akram] ability to change pace, bowl with the new ball and swing it and seam it and then coming back to through the middle and at the end we saw in the 92 World Cup. The deliveries that he bowled when England were just flying and about to close down a World Cup, when he came in and changed the game. It was incredible," Sangakkara said.

"The greatest ever left-armer Wasim Akram," Simon further added.

Furthermore, Sangakkara emphasized Khan's consistent and game-changing performances throughout his career, especially under pressure situations in World Cups. Doull expressed his agreement, stressing the necessity of including Khan in any World Cup lineup, quoting his leadership skills and match-turning capabilities.

"At number 7, you need a consistent performer over a series of World Cups. It's difficult to look beyond Imran Khan. Throughout his career, being a spearhead and the innings he played to change games including that 92 World Cup, so we will have to go with Khan," Sangakkara asserted.

"I tend to agree with you on that. I just think to pick World Cup without Imran Khan in it. What happened in '92 ands winning of that World Cup, I think the way he led that side and what he offers across a wide range. I think it's not a bad third seamer to have," Simon added.

The rest of their World Cup XI included stellar international cricketing stars, having a blend of power hitters, skilled bowlers, and influential leaders. The team included renowned names like Adam Gilchrist, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards, Aravinda de Silva, Clive Lloyd, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Glenn McGrath.

Sangakkara and Doull World Cup XI:

Adam Gilchrist (wk)
Sachin Tendulkar
Ricky Ponting
Viv Richards
Aravinda de Silva
Clive Lloyd
Imran Khan
Wasim Akram
Shane Warne
Muttiah Muralitharan
Glenn McGrath