Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has flatly refused to take up the job as the team’s head coach. His remarks come after Mohammad Rizwan and co. crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage. Following their red-faced exit, Pakistan cricket team is bracing for another round of shake ups which can potentially include the sacking of yet another coach.
“Cannot tolerate disrespect”
Speaking on Ten Sports, Akram pointed out that many former cricketers who became Pakistan coaches were disrespected and sacked in the past. He said that while he is available to assist the team for free of cost, he is unwilling to take up a full-time role, citing the treatment meted out to the previous coaches and due to family reasons.
“People still, on and off, criticise me or take digs at me, saying all I do is talk and nothing else. When I see Pakistan coaches-like Waqar here, who has been sacked multiple times after becoming a coach-and how they are treated, I cannot tolerate the disrespect,” Akram said.
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“I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you want to pay me? I am available free of charge. If you organise a camp and want me there, I will be there. If you need me to spend time with the cricketers ahead of a major tournament, I will do that. But I am 58 years old, and at this stage of my life, I have a family-I have a 10-year-old daughter and two sons. I need to spend time with them. That said, I am always available. Free of charge, I will give my time,” Akram added.
Following their Champions Trophy debacle, Pakistan is reportedly set to sack interim coach Aaqib Javed and replace him with Saqlain Mushtaq. He has reportedly accepted to take up the role ahead of the series against New Zealand after holding discussions with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
