As Pakistan gears up for a challenging three-match Test series against Australia, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has extended his best wishes to the team. Currently in Australia, Akram is set to provide his insights and analysis as a commentator during the series.
In addition to sharing his optimism for the team, Akram took the opportunity to offer advice to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the new appointments within the cricketing structure. Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, and Kamran Akmal have assumed key roles, and Akram believes that they should be given a fair amount of time to prove their worth.
“Pakistan have reached Australia, and I wish the guys, especially the new ones, all the best. Hafeez has come in as Director of Cricket, while Wahab Riaz is the chief selector. Kamran Akmal has also joined. They should be given one year before taking any call,” Akram stated.
The call for patience in assessing the performance and impact of individuals in their roles reflects Akram’s understanding of the time and space needed for a new management structure to settle in and make a meaningful impact.
Regarding Wahab Riaz, who faced criticism for including Salman Butt in the team—a player previously banned for his involvement in spot-fixing—Akram suggested that Riaz should stand by his decisions. Despite the backlash, Riaz made the bold move to remove Butt from the selection panel, showcasing resilience in the face of public opinion.
“Be brave and stick to your decisions. There will be backlash and questions, but you should back your call. Also, don’t hold press conferences every three minutes. I want to throw them out after looking at some of the press conferences,” Akram advised.
The seasoned cricketer’s advice emphasizes the importance of conviction and consistency in decision-making, even when faced with public scrutiny. By urging Riaz to avoid frequent press conferences, Akram implies that actions should speak louder than words, and decisions should be allowed to unfold on the field rather than in the media.
As Pakistan takes on Australia in what promises to be an intense Test series, the team can draw inspiration from the well-wishes of a cricketing icon like Wasim Akram, who not only believes in their potential but also advocates for patience and resilience in the face of challenges. The cricketing world will be watching eagerly to see how the team responds to both the opposition on the field and the expectations and advice off the field.