Wasim Akram offers help to revive Pakistan's World Cup campaign
Former Pakistan captain and member of the 1992 World Cup winning team – Wasim Akram has offered his help to revive the Pakistan Cricket team’s World Cup campaign. But, the left-arm fast bowler has made it clear that either the Pakistan Cricket Board or the team management would have to first ask for his help and advice. Pakistan has lost their opening match of the tournament by 76 runs to India, who still maintains their undefeated streak against them in World Cup matches.
"I am in Australia and New Zealand and I am ready to do my bit to help out the Pakistan team in their World Cup campaign. I know a lot about the current players. But so far no one neither the management nor the board has asked me for assistance," Akram said on Geo News channel.
Pakistan plays West Indies on Saturday with group matches against South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland to follow. Akram said that the Pakistani batsman have to improve their batting style and has asked the players to use the front foot shot instead of struggling against quality bowling,
“Even now I can tell you how many deliveries I need and how I can get a Pakistani batsmen out. They are not willing to play on the front foot and remain on the back foot than how do you expect them to get runs in Australia and New Zealand.”
No one from Pakistan camp approached me for advice: Akram
Akram said that he was unhappy that fingers were pointed at him for helping players from other countries except the Pakistani players,
“I am often criticized for not helping Pakistani players but giving tips to players from other countries, This is unfair as even now if they ask me I will go and help in any way because I know a lot about modern day cricket and players in this World Cup and I want to see Pakistan reach the knockout stage."
He also mentioned that it hurts him when no one from the Pakistan camp have come forward to ask him for help or advice, he said,
"What hurts me is that no one from the Pakistan camp has thought it fit to ask for my help or advice. I am here and I am willing to help. I have told the PCB time and again I don't want a job, I just want to help out the players,"