Former Pakistan captain and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Wasim Akram, shared a never-heard-before story featuring the legendary all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Imran Khan.
Akram revealed that it was former captain Imran Khan who suggested him to play Afridi as an opener when he was Pakistan captain, and later the all-rounder went on to become one of the best openers for the side.
The former pacer said the incident was from a Test series between India and Pakistan in 1999, and that’s how the former skipper continued to assist him long after his retirement.
Notably, Akram made his Pakistan debut under Imran, who led the side between 1982 and 1992, in 1984 and also led the side across three different tenures in the 90s.
Wasim Akram said during in an interview with ESPNCricinfo: “In the 1999 tour of India, he was the one who convinced me to take Afridi as opener in Test cricket. I was at his home, having dinner with him. Skipper said, 'Afridi ko leke jaa rahe ho?'. I said yes.”
The legendary bowler continued, “'I think he will be a very good opener'. I said, 'hang on a second. What do you mean, 'opener'?' He said, imagine you bowling to a player like him. You will be more worried about yourself, he will be smashing you three fours and your field positioning will be all over the place.”
Akram concluded, “I thought about it and realized that makes sense, especially in sub-continent wickets. We played him, he scored 140 (141) in the first Test, and he got runs in the second game as well.”
