Pakistan players being disciplined like schoolboys: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram lamented that the rigorous discipline Pakistan players are subject to is vastly different to how international players of other teams are treated, and warned that such an atmosphere was detrimental for the confidence and growth of the players – both as cricketers and individuals.

"Having discipline is one thing but too much stress on it can also lead to some players losing confidence because of it," Wasim told reporters in Karachi.

Wasim and Shoaib Akhtar were talking to the media at the Karachi launch of the Wasim Akram Foundation aimed at working for underprivileged children and to provide them with education.

The PCB changed its code of conduct for players after the spot-fixing scandal in England in late 2010 after which the board has placed number of restrictions on them affecting their freedom to move around and meet with people.

Sri Lanka tour will be difficult for bowlers: Akram

Pointing out that players of other teams enjoyed the freedom to socialise on foreign tours, Akram said, "Our players unfortunately are being treated like schoolboys in the name of discipline and this is hurting their confidence and growth as professional sportsmen and persons."

"Players need to be given freedom and a chance to become superstars through their performances and attitude. It is only when a player becomes a superstar that he becomes a brand and that will only increase the value of Pakistan cricket for others," said Shoaib Akhtar, a long-time vociferous opponent of many of PCB and Pakistan cricket’s policies.

"Sri Lanka is one of the toughest places to tour and they are very strong on their home grounds. It will not be easy for our bowlers and it should be a tough series for Pakistan," Wasim said on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.