Pakistani cricket icon Wasim Akram expressed concerns about the direction of Pakistan’s cricket governance, specifically under the leadership of the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He openly criticized the PCB’s impulsive decision-making, highlighting the contrast with the stability and strategic vision that had led the team to the T20 World Cup 2022 final in Australia. Wasim Akram voiced his frustrations on ‘The Pavilion,’ a sports show on A Sports, where he emphasized the notable fitness issues among Pakistani cricketers. He specifically noted that certain players appeared to show little regard for their physical well-being. As quoted by Akram,“Looks like these guys are eating 8 kilos of mutton every day. Should there not be tests?”
The Sultan of Swing further went on to add: “It was embarrassing today. To reach 280-odd losing just two wickets is pretty big. Wet pitch or not, look at the fielding, and the fitness levels. We’ve been screaming for the last 3 weeks that these players haven’t undergone a fitness test in the last two years.” Pakistan set a total of 282/7 in 50 overs while batting first. Afghanistan, previously at the bottom of the table, successfully reached the target with just 2 wickets down. Akram discussed the inconsistency in the PCB’s leadership. He highlighted the numerous changes in the board, including multiple chairmen and shifts in the coaching staff over the past several months. He emphasized that these frequent changes were harming the team’s performance. Akram emphasized that during Misbah-ul-Haq’s tenure as the coach, he established specific fitness and performance standards, a system that, despite being unpopular among the players, had proven successful.
Wasim Akram – “You guys are getting paid!”
“Professionally you guys are getting paid, playing for your country. There has to be a certain criteria. Misbah, when he was coach, had that criteria. Players hated him but it worked. Fielding is all about fitness and that’s where we are lacking. Now we have reached that same position, where we will pray for ifs and buts to happen,” says Wasim Akram
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