‘People promoting themselves using my name’ – Wasim Akram hits back at Aamir Sohail’s ill remarks

Sohail had blamed Akram for Pakistan not winning any World Cup after 1992.

By Salman Anjum - 08 May, 2020

Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram on Thursday (May 7) lashed out at former teammate Aamir Sohail’s ill remarks against him, saying some people still use his name to “promote” themselves.

See Also - Would've killed Wasim Akram if he had approached me for match-fixing: Shoaib Akhtar

Earlier this week, Sohail had blamed Akram for Pakistan not winning any World Cup after 1992.

“Whenever I hear these negative things about myself I feel very sad that it has been 17 years since I retired but even today there are some people using my name to promote themselves,” Akram said on a web show.

“I can also make negative comments about these people but what purpose will it serve. That is why I keep quiet. I just think about the respect and love I have earned from the people over the years and even 17 years after retirement,” he further asserted.

Sohail, who is also a former Pakistan captain, had slammed the selectors of yesteryears for favouring Akram ahead of World Cup years. The left-arm fast bowler led his country during the 1996, 1999 and 2003 editions of World Cup.

“It’s very simple. Put the 1992 World Cup to one side and talk about the 1996 World Cup. In 1995, Ramiz Raja was captain. Saleem Malik was the captain before that, he was very successful and if he could have spent one more year as captain then Wasim would not have been leading the side,” Sohail was quoted as saying by Dawn.

The ex-opening had also claimed that Wasim made sure Pakistan does not win a World Cup after 1992.

“If you look at what happened till 2003, there was this persistence before every World Cup to remove the captain and put Wasim Akram in that role…Look, the biggest contribution by Wasim Akram for Pakistan cricket was making sure Pakistan does not win a World Cup after 92,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that former Pakistan pacer Ata ur Rehman and former PCB chiefs, Khalid Mahmood and Lt General (retd) Tauqir Zia, have previously accused Wasim Akram of being involved in match-fixing during the 1990s.

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 08 May, 2020

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