Karachi: Pakistan bowling coach Mohammad Akram has said fast-bowler Umar Gul would be “severely” missed in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, adding that it is going to be a tough assignment and Gul`s experience would have come in handy.

Akram, however, is hopeful that pacemen Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan will be able to fill the void created by Gul`s absence.
Gul injured his knee during the South Africa tour and was advised surgery, ruling him out of action for at least eight weeks.

After comments that Pakistan`s fast-bowling department was not performing upto the mark, Gul`s absence from the event in England will be a major blow, the report said.

Gul has a phenomenal One-Day International (ODI) record in England, featuring in six matches and taking 14 wickets with his career-best figures of six for 42 coming at The Oval in 2010 against the hosts.

However, Akram hoped Irfan and Junaid will cover-up for Gul`s absence, adding that it is a good chance for the youngsters to prove themselves.

Akram was also confident that Pakistan would do well at the event, adding that the ongoing training camp – being supervised by the legendary Wasim Akram – would aid the bowlers.

Courtesy: ZEENEWS

The former Test captain, Wasim Akram, has come out in support of Umar Gul and thinks that the right-arm fast bowler can still be an asset for Pakistan, if he enhances his ability of adjusting to different formats of the game.

The 28-year-old cricketer was expected to be Pakistan’s spearhead, once Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were banned from competitive cricket in 2010. The fast bowler from Peshawar however, has been a real disappointment and extremely inconsistent, although the right-armer has won matches for the country on occasions.

Gul has been absolutely brilliant in the shorter formats of the game, especially in T20 cricket, playing a major role in his country’s title triumph in the ICC World T20 2009, which was held in England. His performances in Test cricket however, have been found wanting more often than not.

In the recently concluded tour of Sri Lanka, the fast bowler could only manage one scalp in the two Tests, playing a role in his team’s downfall in the series.

Akram is of the view that the skinny fast bowler still has a bright future in international cricket but urged him to work on the mental aspect of his game and bowl according to the format he is playing in.

“I don’t think Umar Gul is a spent force. He is a quality bowler. His main problem is that he is unable to define a role for himself in the team. He is unable to adjust his bowling according to the different formats of the game,” the former captain expressed.

Wasim Akram shows confidence in Umar Gul!

The former left-arm fast bowler appreciates the cricketer’s performances in T20 cricket but feels that Gul fails to adapt to the five-day format.

“He is bowling the same in Tests and the same in Twenty20 and that is hurting his performance,” Wasim said.

Like most international cricketers, Akram thinks that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and a player must prove his ability on the ultimate stage of cricket.

He added, “The bowlers will have to realise that Test cricket is still the ultimate test for any bowler. Unless you are successful in this format you can’t be really be regarded as world class.”

Courtesy: BETTOR.COM

KARACHI: Famed paceman Wasim Akram was upbeat Tuesday about growing signs that India and Pakistan are to resume cricketing ties, nearly four years after they were suspended following the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf is in India negotiating a revival of matches after watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.

India has also allowed the Sialkot Stallions to take part in October’s Champions League, the first such participation by a Pakistani team since 2008.

Wasim, who as bowling coach helped Kolkata Knight Riders win their maiden IPL title on Sunday, said there were signs of a thaw.

“I acted as an ambassador for Pakistan as everyone knows me and during my stay I have seen that people want Indo-Pak cricket to start and for me the invitation for Sialkot is the first step,” Wasim said.

Pakistani players featured in the inaugural IPL in 2008 and Sialkot was due to participate in the first Champions League the same year, until the Mumbai attacks saw cricket ties suspended.

Wasim, 45, expressed his hope that the doors to the IPL will open for Pakistani cricketers next year.

“Pakistani players Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Umar Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez are popular in India and Indian fans have realised they can add to the charm of the league,” said Wasim, who played 104 Tests and 352 one-day internationals for Pakistan.

Wasim added that India not playing Pakistan was a great setback for the millions of spectators in both countries.

“I am a great advocate of Indo-Pak cricket and I hope all the issues between the two countries are solved so that millions of fans are not deprived of such entertaining cricket,” said Wasim, who led Pakistan on the tour of India in 1999.

Turning to Pakistan’s imminent tour to Sri Lanka, Wasim said: “Pakistan has done well in the past year and although it will be tough playing Sri Lanka on their home grounds I am sure this Pakistan team will do well.”

Pakistan play two Twenty20, five one-dayers and three Tests on the tour of Sri Lanka, with the first Twenty20 taking place in Hambantota on Friday.

Courtesy: TIMES OF INDIA

DUBAI (Agencies) – Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has claimed that his country has the most talented cricketers compared to the rest of the world, but they lack guidance which he had coming into international cricket. Recalling his early days in cricket, Wasim said, “When I made my debut, I was only 17 years old, and just in college.

I had never been out of Pakistan, but I had seniors like Miandad who taught me how to be street smart, I had Imran who taught me how to be consistent and affirmative and Mudassar (Nazar) who taught me chalaki (being shrewd).”
However, the legendary crickter added that things have changed now and young payers do not get the same guidance which he got. The 45-year-old further went onto say that he was ready to assist youngsters in the national side. He added,

“Pakistan cricket can still use my services and expertise. But they have to ask me! No one has asked me till now either this board, or the previous one. The thing is that I don’t have to be a coach of the Pakistan team to help Pakistan cricket.” Wasim said that he spends time in Pakistan every now and then and can easily train some young fast bowlers by telling them how to train and handle pressure while bowling against quality oppositions.

There seems to be enormous talent of fast bowling in Pakistan, as the country has introduced some world class players in this department. One of the all time best was Wasim, who had a tremendous career and is considered to be the finest fast bowler in the history of cricket. He also had a world class partner in Waqar Younis, who has twice been with the national team as a coach.

After the retirement of the Two Ws from international cricket, it seemed that the country will struggle to find quality fast bowlers. However, Waqar worked as a bowling coach with the side and polished some youngsters like Umar Gul and M Asif into fine fast bowlers.

He then took over as head coach of the team and guided young pacers like M Amir, Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz. Pakistan cricket will be hoping to get such assistance from the legendary players in order to polish raw talent into world class cricketers.

Wasim also revealed that it was his late wife Huma Wasim, who suggested him to become a commentator after retiring from international cricket in 2003.

According to the legendary cricketer, “There was no concrete plan that I had made and was going to follow. Sportsmen seldom have set plans on what they should do day-by-day after they retire, but then my late wife Huma said that the best thing I could pursue was cricket commentary — she thought that this was all that I knew.”

Wasim said that he did not like the idea initially and argued with his wife saying that he will have to do a lot of travelling. However, he was happy to have listened to his better half back then. The 45-year-old recalled the words of Huma, as she said, “Wasim, believe me, you will thank me after doing this for six to eight months. You will say ‘Huma, thank God you suggested this.’ You will have the same lifestyle and plus you will be talking about a sport that you have loved and played all your life.”

These were the words which forced Wasim to pursue a career in commentary. He claimed that he was lucky enough to be hired straight away by a famous sports channel and is now enjoying the job more than anything.
Perhaps the best bowler of all time further went onto say that he had some difficult times at the start of his commentating career, as learning English was not an easy task.

However, he learned many things with the passage of time and is well aware now of what to say and what not to. Pakistan cricket has produced plenty of fast bowlers and continue to do so. However, there is no one as accurate and deadly as Wasim. He also had a terrific bowling partner in Waqar Younis and together they were known as the ‘Two Ws.’
There has been no pair as deadly as the former Pakistani pacers, as they were a nightmare for the batsmen. They ruled the rest of the word during the nineties and guided their national side to many historic victories. However, both fast bowlers are enjoying a very good post retirement life, commentating on different sports channels.

Courtesy: The Nation

The Pakistan Cricket Team departed for a tour of Zimbabwe on the 25th August, 2011. The team is scheduled to play one Test Match, two Twenty-20 matches and three One Day Internationals. The team left for Zimbabwe from Lahore to Abu Dhabi from the Allama Iqbal International Airport and will take a connecting flight to Zimbabwe.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has replaced Intikhab Alam with Naveed Akram Cheema as manager for the tour of Zimbabwe, and Waqar Younus is accompanying the team as coach. The team is expected to perform well, despite a one-week training camp. Assistant Coach Aqib Javed and assistant manager Shahid Aslam have also been not included for this tour.

The omission of Intikhab Alam is not in any way to do with the team’s previous performances. Managers are appointed on a series by series basis, and Intikhab Alam wants to give more time to ongoing programs for the development of cricket in Pakistan. Cheema is a member of the governing board and has therefore been appointed for the tour of Zimbabwe.

All rounder Shoaib Malik, previously captain of the Pakistani Team is also going to Zimbabwe for this tour. He was in the list of standbys for this tour, but he had to be cleared from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Malik has been playing in domestic cricket since he last played for Pakistan during a controversial tour of England last summer. Malik had issues with the integrity committee of the Pakistan Cricket, and after clearing himself of all suspicions had been included in the team for this tour. Coach Waqar Younus seems to quite happy with Malik’s inclusion, saying that this will strengthen the team.

Wasim Akram cautions that exclusion of Wahab and Gul could hurt their bowling, and the new bowlers in the team lack the experience of the other two players.

Chief Selector for the Pakistan Team Mohsin Khan says that although the Zimbabwe team deserves respect and cannot be taken lightly, but he said the new players need international experience, and playing with senior players will provide them the experience to perform better later on against much stronger teams. Since international cricket is not being played in Pakistan, there are fewer opportunities to groom junior players. In fixture like the with Zimbabwe junior players will gain experience and confidence.

The tour schedule is: Zimbabwe Xl v Pakistan at Bulawayo on August 28-29. Test on September 1-5 also at Bulawayo, 1st One Day International at Bulawayo on September 8, 2nd and 3rd ODI’s at Harare on September 11 and 14 respectively.

Written by: Richard Thomas
For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has questioned the decision to rest fast bowlers Wahab Riaz and Umar Gul for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe saying it would hamper their growth as bowlers.

“I don’t mind taking Zimbabwe lightly and giving chances to youngsters,” Akram told AFP, “but it is surprising that you rest Riaz who has just started his career a year ago and is progressing. He doesn’t need rest.”

The Pakistan selectors also omitted seamer Tanvir Ahmed, and instead chose to go with an inexperienced pace attack comprising Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, debutant Aizaz Cheema and Junaid Khan. Commenting on the selection, chief selector Mohsin Khan had said the fresh look to the squad was an effort to blood youngsters. However Akram said the tour would have been a good opportunity for Riaz to continue his development and for Gul to regain his form.

“I have seen that out-of-form paceman get back to form by playing easier teams, but here we have rested the two main pacemen and they were allowed to play county cricket, instead of doing the national duty,” Wasim said. “The idea to groom a young paceman is to give him more and more opportunities and not to rest him. Riaz needs opportunities and it’s not wise for him to rest at this stage.”

Riaz, who has played seven Tests and 22 ODIs for Pakistan, was the leading wicket-taker for Kent in the Friends Life t20 competition with 20 wickets from 13 games while Gul picked up 12 wickets from eight games for Sussex.

Wasim said teams like India and Australia who played continuously could afford to rest key players, unlike Pakistan whose cricket calendar is not as packed. “If we see India giving rest to their key players, it’s understandable because they play too much cricket throughout the year but Pakistan rarely plays Tests and here we are without our rising paceman.”

Akram praised the selection of 31-year-old Cheema, who was rewarded for his solid performances on the domestic circuit. “Cheema has been leading wicket-taker in Pakistan’s domestic season, so he deserved a chance but there should be more consistency in selection,” he said.

Akram also said that Pakistan still needed the services of former captain Shahid Afridi who announced his retirement from international cricket following a dispute with the Pakistan board. “I won’t speak much on the issue but Afridi is needed,” Akram said. “He has a lot of cricket left in him and he can still do a lot for the Pakistan team.”

Courtesy: ESPN STAR

KARACHI: Former captain and all-rounder Wasim Akram on Thursday said he was perfectly aware of his country’s international and domestic cricket scene and it was chief selector Mohsin Khan who required to do his homework on the various issues confronting Pakistan cricket.

“I am a cricket fanatic and even when I am away I keep a constant eye on Pakistan’s international and domestic cricket,” said Wasim while speaking to Dawn on Thursday.

“It needs just a few clicks on the internet to keep yourself abreast with the cricket around the world. I am, in fact, surprised by Mohsin’s outburst because the media has criticised him often for not attending domestic matches, even in his own city, Karachi.”

Referring to his earlier statement regarding Wahab Riaz and Umar Gul’s inclusion for Zimbabwe tour, Wasim said: “My suggestion of not to rest Wahab was based on wisdom. He is a fine fast bowler who is improving in leaps and bounds but is wasting his energy in the Twenty20 cricket in England. And now, when the real Test starts in Zimbabwe, he is rested. That does not make much sense.”

Backing up his arguments with facts and figures, Wasim said: “It is Mohsin who is wide off the mark when he says that Wahab, Umar Gul and Abdur Rehman have played too much cricket. To keep his facts right, Wahab has played just four Tests, 13 ODIs and only one Twenty20 this year, while Gul has played three Tests and 15 ODIs. This is normal cricket and they don’t really need rest after this.

“Playing without your key fast bowlers would risk any upset in Zimbabwe who have recently beaten Bangladesh in a Test match. And, mind you, they are a better one-day side.”

Wasim also criticised Mohsin for his inconsistent selection which he said was evident by the frequent changes made for the last few tours.

“How can Mohsin talk of consistency? Is playing four separate wicket-keepers in the last one year consistency. If Kamran Akmal is not played due to any reason other than cricket, there is no second opinion that Sarfraz Ahmed is the best glovesman in the country,” argued Wasim.

“Why was Adnan Akmal selected ahead of Sarfraz for the UAE series last year and why couldn’t Sarfraz be recalled from the West Indies where he was playing for Pakistan ‘A’?

“Then, when Adnan gave a superb performance in Tests in New Zealand, why was he dropped for the West Indies tour and Mohammad Salman was given a chance. Now the selectors have again recalled Adnan. Is this consistency?”

Wasim pointed out that while batsman Usman Salahuddin and fast bowler Sadaf Hussain were selected for the West Indies tour, primarily because they were the best performers in domestic cricket, they were not in the team anymore.

“Usman got just two one-day matches and being a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy performer, he was sent back home before the Test series. Poor Sadaf Hussain, with 69 wickets in the season, was a mere passenger on the West Indies trip,” said Wasim.

“Hamad Azam was praised as a replacement for Abdul Razzaq and after a good showing in the West Indies, he is among the reserves for the Zimbabwe tour! Similarly, anyone among left-arm spinner Raza Hassan or Zulfiqar Babar could have replaced Abdur Rehman, but right-arm leg-spinner Yasir Shah is selected out of the blue. This is no consistency.”

Reacting on Mohsin’s jibe regarding him not serving Pakistan cricket, Wasim said: “I am proud that I am used by India and they do so with a lot of respect. I have been praised as an ambassador between Pakistan and India and I will continue to do so.

I have always spoken for the revival of Indo-Pak series and my views are taken seriously.

“Moreover, when Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed — both great fast bowlers — are involved in team’s coaching its unwise that I poke my nose in their work. But whenever they call me for help I’m available.

“I have always respected Mohsin as a player and a senior colleague, but I am entitled to my opinion, which will always be honest.”

Courtesy: DAWN.COM
Source: Wasim Akram Speaks to Dawn Newspaper

“Umar Gul will be the main bowler, but if Akhtar stays fit and healthy, he can still make a difference.”
— Wasim Akram on Umar Gul and Shoaib Akthar in the World Cup / February 05, 2011

“I think Razzaq’s aim for the World Cup should be to end as Man of the Tournament. He is one of the best all-rounders out there and is definitely a real match-winner. He has to focus a bit on his bowling and fielding but his explosiveness with the bat, lower down the order is unmatched in world cricket. He is one of those rare people, who can smash a load of runs off very few balls, changing the game in an instant.”
— Wasim Akram on what Abdul Razzaq’s role should be in the World Cup 2011 / February 05, 2011

“Shehzad has been playing sensational cricket. I know this kid. He is a real fearless character who does not feel that much pressure. I think he is definitely one to watch out for. His idea of defence is to attack and he will be consistent and lethal on sub-continent tracks.”
— Wasim Akram on Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad / February 05, 2011

“Afridi has been leading the side for a while and has gotten to grips with the nuances of captaincy. In cricket, you need one or two years to perfect the art of captaincy and this is why I think Afridi was the best option available.”
— Wasim Akram on Shahid Afridi being chosen the captain for Pakistan for the World Cup / February 05, 2011

“The Pakistan board has made the right choice in selecting Afridi as the skipper. Despite having delayed the decision for so long, I am happy that in the end they chose the most able man for the job.”
— Wasim Akram on Pakistan Cricket Board choosing Shahid Afridi as the captain for Pakistan Cricket team in 2011 World Cup / February 05, 2011

“More than Younus, the decision made by Yousuf has saddened me. His retirement will definitely hurt Pakistan in Test cricket. You can’t replace a man with 24 Test centuries and 7000 runs. It’s a pity the way Pakistan have treated their best players. Just like Yousuf, Pakistan have not respected many former stars. I am not sure if this is the way to treat players who have served you with excellence for over two decades. At least, they deserve a testimonial game, a warm send-off and a moment that will stay forever in their hearts.”
— Wasim Akram / April 04, 2010

“Pakistan cricket continues to intrigue me. Quite a few things are making headlines and unfortunately, almost all for the wrong reasons! I have said in my previous column that the PCB had no business to slap indefinite bans on cricketers. Hence Younus will have a very strong case whenever he seeks legal help. It will be interesting to see how the PCB reacts then. Governance has never been PCB”s strong point for various reasons.”
— Wasim Akram / April 04, 2010

“The commitment and passion Sachin displayed in the field is indeed a rare example.”
— Wasim Akram on Sachin Tendulkar’s commitment / March 06, 2010

“If he believes in himself and bats up the order, it shows that he still reckons that he can win games with his batting. I don’t think we have been unfair to the man in our criticism. Afridi has been Pakistan’s premier bowler in the last two years but his reputation is built on his batting abilities.”
— Wasim Akram on Shahid Afridi / June 20, 2009

“I have worked with Afridi as captain. The way to get the best out of him is to give him confidence and motivate him. He needs to be acknowledged as a senior player. He has to be constantly told he is the main match-winner. He is somebody who needs a lot of attention and you need to give him that much of attention.”
— Wasim Akram saying pampering Shahid Afridi will get the best out of him / June 20, 2009

“Only performances should not matter but discipline is also very important. But with all the lucrative Twenty20 tournaments around the world like IPL, Gayle doesn’t stand to lose much if he never plays for the Windies again.”
– Wasim AkramSOURCE: WEBINDIA1233

“It’s very difficult. Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Azhar Mahmood, these guys were very receptive towards learning and understanding new information.”
——SOURCE: THE NATION

For more information: info@wasimakramlive.com

An upcoming exclusive event is being organized in regard to Islamic Relief. It’s a project moving on from last year, called ‘Rebuilding lives’ in Pakistan, after the flood disaster last year.

Due to the efforts of Islamic relief lives once broken are now on their way to rising with dignity.

They have taken this challenge and have designed 3 dinners nationwide with one to be hosted in London. In cooperation with a wide range of celebrities and legends, Islamic Relief aspires to make a quantitative as well as a qualitative change throughout the country.

With a set of appropriate locations, the venue for London is the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington. Amongst others, the gathering will be graced by the Legendary Cricketer Wasim Akram who will engage in a constructive Q & A with the Audience present.

Other glittering names include: Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul , Murli & Robert Key and many more. To add the star quality of the evening, the event is to be hosted by BBC radio 4 presenter Yasmeen Khan.

The audience will get a chance to take part in an exclusive auction of personally signed items by the celebrities present. This will also include former footballer DIEGO MARADONA’s signed ARGENTINA SHIRT as well as a signed Brazil shirt by Pele.

We forward our deepest wishes for this endeavor and we hope individuals will open their hearts to such a cause.

— Stay tuned for Exclusive coverage of the Fundraising Gala Dinner on WasimAkramLive —

- Courtesy: TakeOne Media, Islamic Relief, Ebba Qureshi