The Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, particularly their unexpected loss to minnows United States of America, followed by a defeat against arch-rivals India, has put them under intense scrutiny. Wasim Akram, a legendary figure in Pakistani cricket, expressed his frustration and disillusionment with the team during a candid interview on Star Sports before Pakistan’s match against Canada in New York.
“I can’t bring that (killer) instinct in them. It has to come from within,” Akram said during the conversation with former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, expressing his inability to instill a winning mentality in the players.
Akram’s frustration reached a boiling point as he remarked, “Boht ho gaya, boht back kar liya. Ab ye viral ho jaye ho jaye, I don’t care (enough is enough, backed them enough, now I don’t care even if this goes viral).” This statement reflected his exhaustion with supporting the team despite their consistent underperformance.
Furthermore, Akram didn’t shy away from addressing the internal rifts within the team, stating, “Somebody has to speak the truth about this Pakistan cricket (team). It’s kind of getting out of hands. Kisi ka mood off hai, woh uss se baat nahi kar raha, yeh uss se baat nahi kar raha (somebody’s mood is off, this guy is not talking to that guy). Come on guys! What is this going on! Poore mulq ke jazbaat ka tumne satyanaash maar ke rakh diya hai. Hadd hoti hai kisi cheez ki (you have played with the emotions of the entire nation, there is a limit to everything).” This revelation shed light on the fractured communication and camaraderie within the team.
Moreover, Akram advocated for a drastic overhaul in the team composition, suggesting the introduction of new talent to revitalize Pakistani cricket. He asserted, “Enough is enough! Done! Bring in new kids, make a new Pakistan team. The entire Pakistan community back home and here (in the US) is depressed. They were celebrating that we are winning (against India), after a long time, that too against such a big team. But they (Pakistan team) said ‘no, we don’t want to win come what may’.”
In conclusion, Akram’s impassioned plea for change reflected the deep-rooted frustration and disappointment prevailing among Pakistani cricket fans, urging for a fresh start to rejuvenate the team’s prospects.
