Waqar Younis opens up about strained relationship with Wasim Akram

Former head coach believes that issues between them negatively affected Pakistan

Former Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has expressed regret at the relationship he shared with ex-teammate Wasim Akram during the duo’s playing days.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, the 44-year-old said that issues between them negatively affected Pakistan. “He [Wasim] didn’t only have issues with me, but we had issues in the team in those days, which yes, I do regret at times because you know it did not really help Pakistan cricket,” he said. “However, when we walked on to the field, it was a different ball game altogether. We wanted to compete [with] each other, we wanted to take more wickets than the other one, and I think in a way it helped.”

The former captain also said that he feels the standard of first-class cricket in the country has diminished with too many teams being involved, and advocated increasing competition to produce quality cricketers on international arena.



“I think the system was a little bit better than what we have now,” he said about his playing days. “We had lesser teams, and therefore we had more quality in cricket. Nowadays, I feel that first-class cricket has just been been gifted away, there have been too many guys playing cricket.”

He added: “I don’t want to take cricket away from any kid from Pakistan. They all deserve it. But I think it’s important that first-class cricket should be played by fewer people. There should be a serious competition, that’s how you produce top cricketers and I feel that is lacking in Pakistan at the moment.”



The former head coach also said that fast bowling was a natural act and credited the system which encouraged him to go full tilt without sacrificing on pace.