Pak favourites to win against India - Imran Khan

Imran Khan believes the timing and the weather will suit the Pakistani fast bowlers © Getty Images

Imran Khan, the legendary allrounder, has termed Pakistan as favourites to win the upcoming three-Test series against arch-rivals India.

Hailing Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar as a "matchwinning pair," Imran said the timing and weather would also help the Pakistani fast bowlers. "The last time when India visited it was summer [April] and now it is winter [January], which will benefit our bowlers," Imran was quoted as saying by the Pakistani daily Dawn.

On the issue of Karachi hosting a Test between the arch-rivals, he said India must play in the port city since the successful conduct of a one-dayer against England recently had proved that conditions there were "quite satisfactory". Imran, however, lashed out at the functioning of the Pakistan Cricket Board, saying it was time to put in place a democratically-elected board as in Australia and India.

"There is one-man show in PCB. One man is taking all the decisions. By the way, what are the qualifications of present board officials who are working on ad hoc basis." He said since the PCB did not have a constitution, it made it easier to avoid accountability. "The constitution ensures accountability for irregularities and transparency in affairs."