Wasim Akram picks England for World Cup win in India

Former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram, has expressed his opinion on the upcoming World Cup in India, stating that England has the potential to become champions. 

According to him, England has a well-rounded team that is suited for Indian conditions. With their spin options, capable players who handle spin bowling well, and a good seam bowling attack, including Jofra Archer who is returning from injury.

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"I have to say that England are the favourites," said Akram. "They (England) have got good spin options. They have got good players who play spin nicely. They have got good variations with the seam bowlers, Jofra Archer coming back (from injury) is huge. And Mark Wood is bowling at 90 miles per hour. So I think England have got the experience," the cricketer-turned-commentator added. 

Despite this, Akram believes that India, being the host country, could also be a significant threat, especially if they adopt an aggressive style of play. 

Meanwhile, Akram also acknowledged Pakistan's strengths, pointing out their strong bowling attack with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Ihsanullah. 

In his view, since the pitches in India tend to be batting-friendly, the team with the stronger bowling attack will have a better chance of succeeding in the World Cup.

"Our captain is a great player and we have one of the best fast-bowling lineups in the world," he said. "Shaheen Afridi is currently in prime form. He has led his team to victory in the PSL for the second time. He is developing pretty well as an all-rounder. Then there is Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Mohammad Hasnain is there, Ihsanullah is an exciting young fast bowler. I think because the World Cup is happening in India, it is the team with the stronger bowling attack that will succeed because the pitches tend to be batter friendly," he concluded. 

The World Cup is scheduled for October-November in India, and England will be defending their title.