da imperador bet： Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said Sunday he wasraring to compete in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa
10-Dec-2001Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said Sunday he wasraring to compete in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.”I am in good physical condition right now but am workinghard to be in top shape by the time the World Cup comesaround.”Wasim felt that Pakistan had all the ingredients that make agood team except for fielding which he said neededimprovement. “All the players will have to concentrate onthis area if we have to win the World Cup.”He said that Pakistan would have an edge in the World Cupbecause they’ll be touring South Africa for a Test seriesahead of the tournament. “This will be a big advantage aswe’ll become quite familiar with the conditions in the leadup to the Cup.”Wasim backed coach Mudassar Nazar who has now been appointedtill the World Cup. “Mudassar is a good coach and he hasbeen able to forge unity in the team which is a good sign.”The all-rounder called upon the cricket-playing countriesnot to be afraid of touring Pakistan in the wake of the warin neighbouring Afghanistan. “There are no security problemshere and we have a good cricketing atmosphere. Besides thewar is being fought in another country.”He blamed the foreign media of not presenting the realpicture of the situation in Pakistan to the outside world.”There are just no problems in our country.”New Zealand had refused to tour Pakistan in September citingsecurity risks, a decision that led to the Pakistan CricketBoard suffering heavy financial losses. However the Pakistancricket chiefs heaved a sigh of relief last week after theWest Indies, following some initial hiccups, said “yes” to aTest series here early next year.