Legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram opened up on why he never accepted any permanent coaching assignment with the Pakistan national team and that’s one of the biggest reasons is social media.
Akram said he can’t tolerate the online abuse that the coaches have to endure due to the failure of the side, hence, he stays away from taking permanent coaching jobs in Pakistan, saying he can understand fans’ passion for cricket, but bad language and insults on social media is something he doesn't understand.
Speaking with CricketPakistan.com.pk YouTube channel, Akram said: “I can’t stand misbehavior from anyone and I am not stupid I see how people misbehave and insult coaches/seniors on the social media if the team is not doing well. I don’t think I have the patience for that. I just think we need to ponder on the fact that whatever we say on social media reflects on what we are.”
He continued, “Sometimes you do well, sometimes you lose. But tell me do we see this sort of extreme reaction or misbehavior in other countries. Have you seen Ravi Shastri being treated this way on social media? It is pretty scary for me the way people behave on social media.”
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However, the former pacer gets to work with most of the players being Karachi Kings coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
He said, “So it is not as if I am totally cut off from the players. They call me when they want any help or advice and I love contributing to Pakistan Cricket.”
On the burnout concerns of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Akram said: “I don’t think he will burn out, in fact, he is getting better. He has pace, height and knows how to swing the ball both ways with the new ball and he has now improved on his bowling sense, length and has got situational awareness. He is a great talent and he will take a lot of wickets for Pakistan.”
He signed off by saying, “As far as rest is concerned I think just ask him whether he wants to rest but we should not try to copy other countries because our cricket culture and mindset is different. He is not playing too much county or other cricket he only plays for Pakistan so I think the more he plays he will only get better with time.”
(With PTI Inputs)
