Fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram has urged the Pakistani fans to not criticize Hassan Ali after his dropped catch of Matthew Wade led to Pakistan's elimination from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 with a five-wicket loss to Australia on Thursday (November 11).
In the second semi-final against Australia on Thursday, Ali has been subjected to extreme criticism by fans on social media after his dropped catch of Wade was seen as a major reason behind Pakistan's defeat against Pakistan.
The pacer also had a forgettable outing on Thursday, conceding 44 runs in 4 overs without the success of a single wicket against Australia.
After he dropped Wade, the Australian batter hammered Shaheen Afridi for 3 sixes in 3 balls to complete the run-chase of 177 runs and take Australia into the final of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Amidst the criticism, the former Pakistan pacer has urged the fans to not add fuel to the fire by targeting Ali, as the pacer is already feeling pretty low as the loss will haunt him and the team forever.
Akram told A Sports: “What we don’t want is that the whole country gets after poor Hasan Ali now. I have been through this; Waqar Younis has been through it. In other countries, it’s just a game for people. Next day, you say well-tried, bad luck, better luck next time, and move on.”
He signed off by saying, “This situation is as tough for the players as it is for the fans. The players will go to their rooms, they’ll be quiet, they won’t talk to their families and the defeat will haunt them. As a nation, we don’t want to add fire to that fuel.”
