The legendary pacer Wasim Akram came up with an honest yet very straightforward opinion on Pakistan’s middle-order woes, though his words could hurt Shoaib Malik, as the former skipper was saying the leaders have to make some tough decisions for the sake of the team.
After Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat against Zimbabwe in their second match at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 on October 27, Akram said that Babar Azam has to be street-smart in taking decisions and picking players, especially for the World Cups, as he is not captaining a gully cricket team, but the national team and all hopes are on his shoulder.
The former pacer said that Pakistan made a blunder by not picking Malik in the T20 World Cup 2022 squad, as their middle-order woes continue in Australia. Pakistan’s chances to make it to the semifinals are too weak after suffering two defeats against India and Zimbabwe in the tournament.
Speaking to A Sports, where Malik was also part of the panel, Wasim Akram said: “Ek saal se Pakistan, including us (Malik, Waqar Younis and Misbah ul Haq) knew that middle order slightly weak hai. Ab yeh ladka baitha hai Shoaib Malik. Main agar captain hota, mera end goal kya hota...to win the World Cup.”
He further said, “Agar usskeliye mujhe gadhe ko bhi baap banana pare main banaunga beacuse mujhe World Cup jeetna hain. Agar mujhe Shoaib Malik chaiye toh main chairman and selector ko jaake kahunga ki I will not play World Cup if I don't get my player.
But aisa koi hain nehin. Babar ko aur akalmand hona parega. Yeh woh moholle ki team nehin hai ki mera jaanne wala aa jayega. Agar main hota toh iss ladke ko (Malik) sabse pehle middle order main leta.”
Notably, Pakistan will next face the Netherlands on October 30 at the Perth Stadium.
