Last Updated:
Wasim Akram is one of the greatest cricketers of all time. The former left-arm pacer played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs for Men in Green during his 19-year-long international career.
Wasim Akram reveals why he doesn’t want to become head coach of Pakistan men’s cricket team. (Picture Credit: AP, Screengrab)
Wasim Akram, a legendary Pakistani fast bowler and former captain, has explained why he is not interested in taking on the role of selector or head coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Akram, who is one of the greatest bowlers of all time, has never served as the head coach of the Pakistani team. While replying to a fan question on The Dressing Room show of Ten Sports Pakistan, Akram said he can’t tolerate the poor treatment by the fans, which his former teammates, including Waqar Younis, have faced during their time as head coach, and that’s why he has never considered taking the job of head coach or chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team.
“To be honest, a lot of people still on and off either criticise me, have a go at me ki gallan (baatein) kara lo isse, khud kuch karta nahi hai. When I see Pakistani coaches, including Waqar (Younis), who has been a coach a couple of times, jab mai inka haal dekhta hoon ki tareh aap log badtmeezi karte hai coaches se, toh vo badtmeezi mere se bardasht nahi hogi (when I see how fans misbehave with the coaches, I can’t take that),” Akram said.
According to the first bowler to take 500 wickets in ODIs, he wants to help the Pakistan cricket team and is available for free even if and when needed.
“I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you have to pay me? I’m available for free. Whenever you call me for a camp, I’ll come. If you involve me in any tournament, I’ll spend time with players.”
“But I’m 58 years old. I have a family, a 10-year-old daughter. I have two boys. I want to spend time with them. But like I said, I’m always available, even free of cost, to have the camp going for the kids whenever I have the time. Mai chala jaunga, Pakistan team ka koi tournament aa raha hai, unka camp lagta hai, I will spend time there. Ye mai kar sakta hoon magar mai aise beizzati nahi kara sakta iss umar mein. Beizzati toh waise he bahut karte ho because badtmeez toh hum hai (I can do that, but I can’t be humiliated like that. At this age, you’re already humiliating me because we are disrespectful),” he added.
In the past, the likes of Javed Miandad, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Waqar Younis have served as head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, and at present, former pacer Aqib Javed is interim head coach of the Men in Green.
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
