File image of Wasim Akram©AFP
Pakistan failed miserably in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand at home, where the visitors won 2-1. Previously, the Babar Azam-led side was also whitewashed in the three-game test series against England. Several questions were asked in the fields of Pakistan as many pundits called them not kind to pacers. While Pakistani pacers such as Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf failed to impress with the ball, opposition pacers such as Ollie Robinson, Tim Southee and James Anderson always dominated the hosts.
Pakistani cricketing legend Wasim Akram blamed the T20I and domestic cricket stating that the players should start focusing on the longer formats to improve their performance.
“If you get more money for playing just four overs then this is an easy decision. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Wasim Jr. should be playing first class cricket. Apart from PSL they have to play 1-2 leagues in a year, but also in long duration matches. Note: if we had time, we would have played 4-day matches,” Akram told Cricket Pakistan.
As Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has faced severe criticism for his dismal leadership in the recent bilateral negotiations, Wasim Akram supported him, stating that the 28-year-old will prove to be “best captain” in the coming years.
“Babar Azam’s captaincy is under criticism these days; in this difficult time, a strong hand of support came on his shoulder. We don’t need an enemy; we are self-sufficient; stop fooling yourself; if you have Imran Khan , Javed Miandad or Mike Brierley sitting next to you then you will understand that Babar Azam has 2-3 years chance. He will prove to be the best captain,” Wasim said.
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