Former Test cricketer Kamran Akmal thinks Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s plan B to play against weak teams in Asia Cup 2023 window will not work for the national team before the ICC World Cup in India. 

Speaking to media in Lahore, Akmal, who gave up his selection committee role due to his commitments during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, said playing against Zimbabwe or Ireland before World Cup will not be an ideal thing for the national side. 

"If there is no Asia Cup, then my request to you is that there is no need to invite Zimbabwe or Ireland. Or even if you want to invite them, then let your A-team play against them," the former cricketer said. 

"What is important for us before going to the World Cup is to play tough cricket, as mentioned by our great players such as Inzamam or Javed Miandad before big tournaments, and also by the great Imran Khan, when we were young, they used to say that Pakistan always play with a good team before a big tournament, whether we win or lose, it will be beneficial, it will give us confidence, and this is what Pakistan team should do," he explained. 

Earlier, GeoSuper.tv reported that PCB has started contacting different boards to arrange bilateral or triangular series in case of Asia Cup's cancelation in September due to India's pressure. 

According to reliable sources, PCB has so far contacted the boards of South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies and Ireland. There are high chances of a triangular series, involving South Africa and Zimbabwe. 

Akmal is okay if Pakistan play against South Africa before the mega event. "If the South Africa team comes, it would be a great thing to play against them, whether we play in their country or they come to our country. After that, you will see how much the team's confidence improves," he concluded.

According to the FTP, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the two teams who will be free in the Asia Cup window in September this year. South Africa will host Australia from August 30 to September 17 for three T20Is and five ODIs. After September 17, South Africa will be free till World Cup in India. Zimbabwe also have no scheduled series in September this year. It must be noted here that Zimbabwe will play World Cup qualifiers at their home in June-July.

Australia, New Zealand and England have packed schedules during the Asia Cup window. However, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be busy in the case of India's five-nation tournament. 

Currently, PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi is in Dubai to meet Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives.