Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for announcing a probe into Pakistan’s debacle in the Asia Cup.
Akram, who is now a full-time commentator and a Bowling coach with the Kolkata Knight Riders, has slammed the formation of an inquiry committee by the PCB to probe the team’s poor performance in the Asia Cup held in Bangladesh.
“I don’t understand the purpose of announcing a probe committee when the national team is due to leave for India for the World T20,” Akram said in a news conference on Saturday.
Akram, who was involved in the Pakistan Super League as the director of the Islamabad United franchise, said that such an inquiry would only put pressure on the players and that the board should instead support the team ahead of the World T20.
“I don’t agree with this thinking. This decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board to evaluate the team’s performance in the Asia Cup at this time,” he continued.
“It does not make sense as the World T20 is just a few days away.”
The fast bowling legend expressed his support for captain Shahid Afridi and said the 35-year old all-rounder is the ideal man for the role at the moment.
“Shahid Afridi has been playing for 20 years. We all know him well and his performances. He is the best man to lead the team even now. He just needs to be given full backing and support by everyone,” he added.
Akram also lashed out at the criticism directed at the Pakistan team after their disappointing performance in the Asia Cup.
“The team has been struggling in T20 cricket for a while now but we need to show more understanding and respect for the players who are already under a lot of pressure,” the former Pakistan captain said.
When asked whether he would like to be involved in an official capacity for the Pakistan National side, he said: “I am ready to serve Pakistan cricket but I need to be given a proper time table. I can’t be asked at the 11th hour to come in. I work according to a schedule. I am ready to work in any capacity but first someone needs to offer me a proper role.”