LAHORE: Legendary fast-bowler and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes the International Cricket Council (ICC) should have showed more support to the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
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It should be mentioned that ICC did not send a single match official to the recent Test match in Lahore and that Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka is acting as a remote match-referee.
“The ICC should have sent match officials to show solidarity with Pakistan on this historic occasion,” Wasim said while speaking to Sport360 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
“It’s the revival of international cricket in Pakistan after many years and everthing has gone well. The fans of Pakistan have made a strong statement and impression by turning up in huge numbers to support the matches. The whole world has seen the passion and love of cricket in Pakistan.”
Asked what should be the next step for Pakistan, Wasim stated they must not rush and take small steps first.
“Congratulations and well done to PCB for taking the the first step in bringing back international cricket. Credit must go to the Zimbabwe team and their government who took the decision to tour.
He said that there is a big difference in cricket infrastructure of the top nations compared to Pakistan and this must be rectified if Pakistan want to produce quality players.
“The PCB must invest in their domestic cricket and pay good prize money if they want to yield good players. The domestic system right now is about quantity and not quality and that needs to change.” Wasim added.
“There is a big difference in our cricket because we score 140 runs on an average in T20Is whereas other teams score 180 easily.”
Wasim, who picked up 503 ODI wickets and 414 wickets in a remarkable career that included a 1992 World Cup win, urged his country's fast-bowlers to learn the art of swing and how to bring variation to their bowling.
“The bowlers need to learn swing and variations to survive in international cricket otherwise they will be thrashed on flat pitches,” he explained.
The veteran also showed willingness to coach Pakistan if he was approached by PCB.
“Whenever the PCB ask me for coaching, I’ll definitely come. But they need to speak to me first, if they don’t ask, how can I help?” he concluded.
