Inzamam bats for ODI WC format

Inzamam-ul-Haq feels the "single group of 10 teams" format of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup will be beneficial for all competing nations, especially an "inconsistent" side like Pakistan.

According to the format of the mega-event to be held in England, there is a single group of 10 teams with each playing the other nine sides, and the top four teams progressing to the knockout stages.

And Pakistan's chief selector Inzamam said the format gives a fair chance to all teams to show their worth and make a comeback even after a bad start to the tournament.

"I totally support this format because all other playing formats tried by the ICC have not been very successful. I remember in the 2007 World Cup we had one bad day against Ireland and we had to exit the event in the West Indies," Inzamam told PTI on Saturday.

"In the single group format where each team plays against the other, it gives a chance to the established outfits to make a comeback if they falter in the early games. I think this format will suit Pakistan a lot because of our tendency to be inconsistent."

Inzamam was just making his mark in the Pakistan team when it won the 1992 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which was held on a single group format.

And in the ill-fated 2007 World Cup, Inzamam was the captain and broke down after Pakistan's early exit following a loss to Ireland.

The former captain and veteran of 120 Tests further said he was very optimistic about Pakistan's chances in the World Cup which begins from May 31.

"We have a good blend of players and if our batting struggles a bit we have the bowling attack to back them at all times," Inzamam said.

He also felt that there will be no room for complacency for any team in the game's showpiece event.

"You can't take Afghanistan lightly and you have to be as charged up as you would be against say Australia," Inzamam said.

Asked about his decision to select his nephew, Imam-ul-Haq in the team for the Australia series, Inzamam said: "He is my nephew but he is also a good batsman and he is proving himself now in international cricket. But there was never any favouritism or nepotism involved in my mind when the selectors picked him."