By IANS,
Karachi : Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has advised against picking any title favourites for the World Twenty20.
The former Test opener believes that, as hosts, the West Indies could have a slight edge over their rivals in the tournament to be played there April 30-May 16.
“There are no clear favourites for World T20 Cup,” said Raja. “All teams share equal chances in the event and predictions are hard to make in the shortest format,” he added. “May be West Indies might have a slight edge being the hosts.”
Speaking about Pakistan, the defending champion, Raja said that the team has some quality spinners and should do well in the Caribbean.
“Several quality spinners could boost Pakistan’s title campaign in the Twenty20 World Cup,” he said.
But Raja said that Pakistan will sorely miss Umar Gul, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury just days before the team left for the West Indies.
In Gul’s absence, Raja said that Pakistan will mostly be relying on the experience of their captain Shahid Afridi and seasoned all-rounder Abdul Razzaq.
“Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq hold the key for Pakistan,” stressed Raja.