Akram: Silly to drop players for ill discipline
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has taken issue with the new selection panel's decision to drop key players due to minor disciplinary issues, saying it does the team no good to be so strict.
Batsmen Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad were not picked for the national training camp, with new chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq citing past disciplinary issues as the cause, though not specifying. He did say that poor form was a factor too.
But Akram feels this is taking player management too far, and that even he would not have been picked back in the day if off-field behaviour was so heavily monitored.
Akram said: "If we drop players on purely disciplinary grounds then let me tell you, many of our era would not have even played for Pakistan including myself.
"I think if a player has a problem it is the job of the team management and captain to deal with it and get him to perform."
The former paceman was also asked about new coach Mickey Arthur, a rare non-Pakistani appointment, and said that the South Africa coach would need time to turn the side's poor form in all formats around.
Akram added: "One should not expect him to bring about improvement immediately as our team is currently languishing at ninth position in the ODI rankings.
"Even he will require time to turn things around."
Latest
-
IndiaDelhi cricket officials question wisdom of multi-purpose stadium
A new stadium project doesn’t have the backing of the DDCA.
-
NewsEngland captain Joe Root addresses concern after Ben Stokes injury scare
All-rounder Stokes was struck on the forearm during a net session.
-
Test cricketNew Zealand skipper Kane Williamson content with scrappy draw in India
Williamson was pleased with his side’s final day fight.
-
County CricketJoe Root repeats claim he cannot recall any instances of racism at Yorkshire
Former Yorkshire team-mate Azeem Rafiq questioned Root’s denial when he gave evidence to MPs earlier this month.
-
The AshesJosh Inglis happy just to be in the Australia Ashes conversation
Josh Inglis is a real Ashes contender.
-
The AshesThe Ashes: Cricket Australia prepare for Brisbane warm-up washout
The Ashes are bearing down on both England and Australia with neither side enjoying ideal preparation.
-
The AshesBen Stokes details frightening choking incident that he feared would end him
The England all-rounder is preparing for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
-
-
EnglandAshley Giles calls for second chances in fight against racism in cricket
The England managing director said people must be given ‘the chance to rehabilitate’ and called for education on the issue.
-
The AshesAshley Giles hopeful Ben Stokes will be ready to face Australia in Ashes opener
The all-rounder took an indefinite break in July to prioritise his mental well-being and rest a fractured finger.