Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram recently offered a blunt assessment of Pakistan cricket. The former Green Shirts captain admits that he cannot solve the team’s problems on his own because the issues extend far beyond coaching or individual players.
Akram’s remarks came as Pakistan struggled during the ongoing Test series against England. The former fast bowler believes the country still has talented cricketers, but weaknesses continue to plague their development into top internationals.
Identifying PAK Problems “Not Rocket Science” – Akram
Akram revealed he feels sympathy for the Pakistan cricket team; however, he believes the squad’s problems are too steep in multiple positions:
“I knew before the series we were going to lose 3-0 to England,” he said. “Our batting is struggling, our bowling is below average and our fielding is worse. It’s not rocket science,” the legendary cricketer said. The former captain said he is frequently asked whether he can do something to help the national team, but he does not believe an individual can solve problems that have developed across multiple levels of the game:
“I get asked all the time, ‘Can you do something to help Pakistan cricket?’ But the issues are a lot deeper. These are the top players, there’s nothing else there. The systems aren’t there below that. The first-class structure domestically has been all over the place the last few years and there’s no consistency, no patience,” he added.
Fans Also to Blame for Current PAK Woes, Akram Says
Akram did not hold back while pointing out current issues with Pakistan’s cricket teams at all levels. He believes impatience from the fans also contribute to rushed decisions made by Pakistan’s cricket governing body after an underwhelming outing:
“That [team problems] dribbles down to the fans, too. They see the team lose and they want to rip it all up, too. We’ve done that so many times and now there is nothing really left,” he said.
Pakistan Lacks Consistency at the Moment
Akram repeatedly identified consistency as one of the country’s biggest cricketing problems. He was particularly critical of players moving in and out of the national side while arguing that constant changes make it difficult for a team to develop a stable identity.
He also described the mid-tour departure of seven players and two coaches as embarrassing and as evidence of poor communication within the setup.
PAK Domestic System Needs Overhauling
One of Akram’s strongest arguments concerns Pakistan’s first-class cricket structure. He said the domestic system has been unsettled in recent years and lacks both consistency and patience. His view is that a new system should be allowed to operate for several years before authorities begin making major changes.
This is central to his explanation for why he cannot fix the national team himself. A former player or coach can influence an international squad, but cannot replace an entire player-development pipeline.
Ex-Player Backs PCB After Sarfaraz Firing Mid-UK Tour
Former Green Shirts cricketer Mohammad Yousuf backed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after their decision to fire Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant. The PCB announced their decision to relieve Ahmed of his duties during Pakistan’s UK tour:
“Yes, there is no issue with when PCB have taken action. The Pakistan team is ninth in the World Test Championship standings. They are ninth because there are only nine teams in the table. Pakistan’s reputation is getting ruined. So when that’s happening, the board has to take some steps to improve,” Yousuf said.
Mushtaq Ahmed Ready to Coach PAK Team
Former Men in Green spin bowler Mushtaq Ahmed believes he has everything required to lead Pakistan’s next international schedule of fixtures. Mushtaq believes he is perfect for the role, but thinks several issues could plague such an opening:
“It will definitely be an honor for me to do that for my country. Especially now. Sometimes you get scared of working for your own country when the people don’t respect you,” he recently revealed.
Former PAK Cricketer Blames PCB for Current Cricket Woes
Saaed Ajmal says Pakistan’s governing board are the major reason behind ongoing problems facing their men’s team:
“The board itself has demotivated the players more than anyone else. The board is not letting any player stand. There are players who have done well who are also dropped. There are players who have been humiliated by PCB,” Ajmal said during a recent interview.
“Aaqib Javed and Mike Hesson are a team. These two are controlling everything and are responsible for this whole mess. The whole issue is about egos. Our team has gone back by 10 years. We have not planned for the future,” Ajmal added while identifying Hesson and Javed as alleged officials responsible for the current issues.
