Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced serious concerns over the state of Pakistan cricket, saying he has watched the same problems persist for the past five to six years and questioning why the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has failed to produce a standout batter despite completing a decade.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Akram said Pakistan’s recent home-and-away series defeat against Bangladesh should not have come as a surprise because warning signs had already emerged, but the necessary work was not done.
“Whether it is me or another coach, these are the players you have,” Akram said, adding that while the PSL has produced several bowlers, he believes it has not developed a batter capable of establishing himself at the international level.
Akram Questions Bowling Selection for England
Akram also questioned Pakistan’s bowling selections for England, saying the team needed an experienced bowler such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, but instead sent fast bowlers who, in his view, lacked sufficient experience.
He said Aaqib Javed should have been part of the tour and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to give its revamped domestic cricket system three to four years to develop.
According to Akram, Pakistan needs patience and proper planning rather than repeatedly changing its approach.
Former Captain Calls for Revival of Club Cricket
Akram also called for the revival of club cricket, arguing that it remains a crucial source of talent for Pakistan’s national team.
He suggested that the PCB should invest heavily in club cricket infrastructure in major cities such as Karachi and Lahore, saying future talent needs to emerge from the grassroots level.
He further stressed the importance of continuity in the national team, criticizing the frequent movement of players in and out of the squad.
Concerns Over Batting Technique
Akram also expressed concerns about the technical quality of Pakistan’s batting, particularly against high-quality fast bowling.
He questioned why some Pakistani batters struggle to play deliveries from the front foot and said they appear to face bowlers such as Ollie Robinson while remaining deep in the crease.
Akram acknowledged that aggressive batting requires players to have the necessary talent and ability to execute it.
The former captain said he, like other Pakistanis, becomes disappointed when the national team performs poorly. He said Pakistan’s white-ball setup is in relatively better shape, but the team continues to face significant difficulties in red-ball cricket.