Dubai: Former Pakistan captain and fast bowler Wasim Akram yesterday stressed the importance of ignoring people who rake up cricket controversies.

Commenting on the claims of alleged bookie Mazhar Majeed that many top cricketers are involved in match-fixing, Akram said: “This joker has been dropping names like Brad Pitt and Roger Federer and has said that he even knows Pervez Musharraf. It is high time everyone listened to people with credibility and not people like him, with no credibility.”

When asked for his remarks on Shoaib Akhtar’s claims in his autobiography that Sachin Tendulkar trembled with fear when facing him, Akram said: “I have only seen players shivering in bed when they had fever. I have never seen a player shiver with fear on the cricket field. It is high time everyone stopped taking people like Akhtar seriously. He never takes himself seriously.”

Differences

Asked to comment if former captain Shahid Afridi will be missed by Pakistan during the series against Sri Lanka in UAE, he said: “Afridi hasn’t played Test cricket for three years since he has retired. My advice to him is there will be differences in the team; differences with the chairman of the board, selection committee or coach but all these differences have to be settled.

“You cannot announce that you are retiring … that is the easy way out.

“Afridi has retired twice or thrice so it is not even funny. He has still got cricket left in him and I am all for him to continue playing. He is still only 34, though it is a mystery too, but he is a huge name worldwide.”

Coming back to life

Akram, who bagged 122 wickets in Sharjah, is delighted to see the venue returning to this scene.
“Sharjah is a part of me as I have been going there from 1984 and I am glad that this stadium is coming back to life,” he said.
He also called for an India-Pakistan series to be held there.

“If India does not feel comfortable playing in Pakistan or Pakistan playing in India they must play the series in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. UAE have the best facilities and with the ICC global cricket academy here with 20 practice wickets, two oval grounds and indoor facilities everything is here.

“So if India and Pakistan want to renew their ties, UAE is the best place.”

By K.R. Nayar, Chief Cricket Writer
Courtesy: GULF NEWS

The very first time when one achieve a champion’s title, it is splendid and becomes memorable for a lifetime.Wasim Akram in 1989 made his first Hat trick during an International cricket match between Pakistan and West Indies. In Sharjah playing against West Indies in a champion’s trophy, Wasim knocked down Malcolm Marshall, Jeff Dujon and Curtly Ambrose giving Pakistan an incredible win.

Wasim’s first Hat trick reassured the talent he possessed which flourished later and bestowed a series of achievements in International Cricket. Akram has not only given his career a boost with his outstanding performance but also represented the Pakistan cricket team internationally to be recognized among other teams.

Pakistan got an 11 run win in against West Indies which also entitled Wasim as Man of the Match. He managed to give 38 runs in 9.4 overs taking 5 wickets including the Ha-trick. Wasim’s first Hat trick was a moment of sheer joy and complete victory. He sustained a thrilling affect on the confronting team by taking their most reliable and valuable wickets.

With his outstanding bowling during One Day International, West Indies with much effort could not secure its position and lost the match. Our left-arm fast bowler hit both Marshall and Ambrose between his eight over, which weakened West Indies’ back. Wasim once again emerged as an unbeatable bowler who can take his team towards victory in just an instant or by one wise move.

His strategy never fails when it comes to making the wickets fall. Therefore, he will always be remembered as a legend that will be followed by everyone playing cricket on the streets of Pakistan and even in international grounds.

For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com