India favourite to win the World Cup, says Imran Khan

Pakistan’s World Cup winning captain Imran Khan said Thursday that home advantage will help India to be the overwhelming favourites to win the World Cup next year.

“India is easily the favourite team, going by their form and depth both in bowling and batting,” the former Pakistani all-rounder told reporters on Thursday after the broadcasting arrangements for the 2011 tournament were announced.

“I think the South Africa tour will do them good. The tougher is the tour, the better prepared you are for the World Cup,” said Imran, who captained Pakistan to win the 1992 World Cup.

“India is the favourite team and Sri Lanka is a close second. They will also have home advantage, which matters a lot,” Imran added.

“Sri Lanka is one of the favourites. They have built a good team but my only worry is their middle order,” said the portly Sri Lankan, whose astute captaincy fashioned the team’s stunning 1996 World Cup victory over the Australians.

“In 1996, we had a strong middle order. But of course this team has better bowlers and both (Muttiah) Muralitharan and (Lasith) Malinga are match-winning bowlers,” he added.