A couple of weeks ago, Pakistan announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 WorldCup. As an aftereffect, Waqar Younis and Misbah immediately resigned owing to the omission of proven veterans like Shoaib Malik, Md. Amir and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Now, speaking about what it takes to be an international coach and Pakistan’s current scenario, the former pacer voices out his opinions.
Have you seen Ravi Shastri being treated on social media?”
Being an international cricketing coach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The designation comes with a ton of responsibility and makes one vulnerable to a social media backlash. Time and again, memes have been made on Ravi Shastri’s fitness issues and alleged drinking habits. Abuses have been hurled at him and addressing the same, ‘Sultan of Swing’ says, “Have you seen Ravi Shastri being treated on social media? It is pretty scary for me the way people behave on social media.”
“I can’t stand misbehaviour from anyone and I am not stupid. I see how people misbehave and insult coaches/seniors on social media if the team isn’t doing well. I don’t think I have the patience for that,” he admits.
Wasim said that although he understands the emotions of cricket fans, the plethora of mockery and insults on social media don’t sit well with him.
“I just think we need to think on the fact that whatever we say on social media reflects on what we are,” adds former skipper, who led the green team all the way to the 1999 World Cup final.
Pakistan Cricket’s current scenario
Prospects are bleaker than ever. NZ and England recently pulled out of their respective tours because matches which were going to be hosted in Lahore and Rawalpindi were subject to ‘security concerns.’ The system is in tatters and the team is in a rebuilding phase.
“So it is not as if I am totally cut off from the players. They contact me whenever they want any help or advice and I love contributing to Pakistan Cricket.”
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Wasim indirectly acknowledges that the squad indeed needs help and that he’s been there, directly, or indirectly. He’s been coaching the PSL franchise Karachi Kings which has made sure that he’s in touch with the local players as well as international stars Babar Azam and Imad Wasim. The ‘Sultan Of Swing’ also heaped praise on up-and-coming pacer Shaheen Afridi. “He is a great talent and he will surely take a lot of wickets for Pakistan,” quoted Akram, while appearing on Cricket Pakistan’s official YouTube channel.
