Curated By: Aakash Biswas
Last Updated: October 24, 2023, 09:46 IST
Wasim Akram lashes out at Pakistan players for poor fitness
Pakistan’s performance on Monday night left several former cricketers fuming and pace legend Wasim Akram was one of them who lost his cool as he pointed out the players’ fitness levels.
A tragic loss of 8 wickets at the hands of Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday has sent shockwaves in Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity. The MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed a jaw-dropping upset in which the Afghans achieved their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan. Moreover, it’s their first World Cup campaign ever in which they registered more than one win.
There were visible differences in the approach of both teams. The Afghans played fearlessly and confidently across all departments. On the other hand, the men in green were morally down, especially after losing back-to-back games – to India and Australia. The lack of intent reflected in their game as the bowlers failed to impress and at the same time, the fielders committed mistakes in plenty.
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Pakistan’s performance on Monday night left several former cricketers fuming and pace legend Wasim Akram was one of them. Speaking on A Sports, the ex-captain lost his cool as he pointed out the players’ fitness levels.
“It was embarrassing today. They [Afghanistan] chased 280-290 with 8 wickets in hands which is huge. They nullified the pitch factor completely. And just look at the fitness levels of our players,” Akram said.
“We have been screaming here for the past three weeks that they haven’t been through fitness tests in the last two years. Now should I name them individually, their faces are getting broader. Lagta hai roz 8 kilo nihari khate hain (Seems like they have kilos of meats every day),” he added.
Akram further asserted that fitness is the biggest aspect when a person takes up cricket professionally and represents the country.
“There should be a test in place. These guys are professionals who getting paid to play for the country and there has to be a certain criterion. I’m with Misbah, he had that criteria when he was the coach. The players hated him but it worked.
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“Fielding is all about fitness and that’s where we are lacking. Not it has come down to ifs and buts, will pray that this team wins or that team loses. That’s a big ‘maybe’,” Akram added.
The former Pakistan skipper further lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of not focusing on the betterment of the game.
“Everybody wants to become PCB chairman. I never heard of anyone wanting to get associated with other sports in Pakistan. This is because PCB gives you the limelight. Ramiz Raja was suddenly removed from chairmanship and was not even permitted to take his personal belongings from his office in PCB,” he added.
