Wasim Akram Calls for Club Cricket Revival After Pakistan’s Test Defeats

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has urged for the resurgence of club cricket and more stable team selection following recent defeats against England in a Test series. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Akram advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to provide its recently established domestic system with a minimum of three to four years to yield results.

He expressed concerns over Pakistan's talent development, specifically in batting, stating, "PSL has completed 10 years, but not a single batter has emerged from it." Although acknowledging the league's contribution of several bowlers, Akram emphasized that Pakistan's series losses against Bangladesh, both home and away, have exposed deeper issues within the national setup.

He stressed that merely changing coaches would not solve the problem unless the overall talent pool improved. "Whether it's the best coach or Gary Kirsten, the talent you have is the same," Akram remarked. Additionally, he questioned the approach to team selection, emphasizing the need for consistency rather than repeatedly bringing back the same players.

"The team should have consistency, but the same boys keep coming and going," he said. Akram highlighted the importance of revitalizing grassroots cricket, asserting that genuine talent should emerge through club cricket. He proposed investing Rs. 100 million in Karachi and Lahore to bolster cricket at the grassroots level. Regarding Pakistan's white-ball team, Akram noted its current better position, but expressed concern regarding red-ball cricket, which remains problematic.

He advised that fast bowlers should be given sufficient time to develop before passing judgment on their abilities, stating that merely bowling one delivery at 150 kilometers per hour is not remarkable, while maintaining 140kph throughout a day is exceptional. Akram also questioned Shaheen Afridi's reduced pace, describing him as an experienced bowler whose presence is crucial in English conditions.

"If I were there, I would say I need Aaqib Javed. He has bowled well in England recently," Akram said. He further stressed the significance of having variety in the pace attack, highlighting that Pakistan succeeded in similar conditions by utilizing different types of fast bowlers instead of relying on bowlers operating at similar speeds.