Manage young players instead of dropping them: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan captain says PCB hasn't approached him with any coaching offer

KARACHI: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said that the dropping players after disciplining and not managing them properly was hurting the national cricket team, reported IBNlive.

Wasim was visiting a school in Kolkatta with former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar to participate in an interactive event where he also rued the ignorance shown by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) towards appointing him in a coaching role.

"Whenever the team doesn't do well, we sack the players," said Wasim.

“How come we drop Umar Akmal, how can we drop Ahmed Shehzad? They are young guys and the PCB has invested in these boys for the last 10 years.”

Read: The whole cricket structure needs a revamp, says Rameez

Both players were sacked by the new team management for allegedly displaying indiscipline in the 2015 World Cup.

"But why do they get dropped? Reason? Indiscipline? As a coach my job is to discipline them, to manage them, and not to drop them. That's why Pakistan cricket is suffering," said Wasim.

The bowling coach of defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders also said that was not approached by the PCB for any coaching role.

"Coaching is a very stressful job and I am happy with Kolkata. As of taking up coaching of the Pakistani team, first of all they will have to make the offer. They haven't asked me yet," he commented.

The sultan of swing concluded by mentioning the problems Pakistan and England are facing due to non-participation in IPL.

"Pakistan and England are surely missing out not financially but on the skill. The batsmen, the bowlers, they get to learn a lot, plus the exposure of playing in front of thousands of spectators."

"Playing against big crowd gives you confidence, which you certainly need. Hopefully Pakistan and England will definitely play in the IPL in the future," concluded Wasim.