Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has called for the revival of club cricket and greater consistency in team selection following Pakistan’s defeats against England in the ongoing Test series.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Akram said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should give its newly introduced domestic system at least three to four years to produce results.
He also raised concerns over Pakistan’s talent development, particularly in batting.
“PSL has completed 10 years, but not a single batter has emerged from it,” Akram said, while acknowledging that the league had produced several bowlers.
The former pacer said Pakistan’s recent defeats against Bangladesh, both at home and away, had already highlighted deeper problems in the national setup.
“The alarm bells were already ringing, but no action was taken,” he said.
Akram added that changing coaches would not solve the problem unless the overall talent pool improved.
“Whatever the coach, even if you bring the best coach, I or [Gary] Kirsten, the talent you have is the same,” he said.
He also questioned Pakistan’s approach to team selection, saying the side needed stability rather than repeatedly bringing back the same players.
“The team should have consistency, but the same boys keep coming and going,” he said.
Akram stressed that Pakistan must rebuild its grassroots cricket structure, arguing that genuine talent should emerge through club cricket.
“Talent has to come from club cricket,” he said.
He urged the PCB to invest Rs. 100 million each in Karachi and Lahore to strengthen cricket at the grassroots level.
According to Akram, Pakistan’s white-ball team is currently in a better position, while red-ball cricket remains a major concern.
“White-ball is fine, but red-ball is not. We face difficulties in that,” he said.
Commenting on Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Akram said they should be given enough time to develop before conclusions are drawn about their abilities.
“Bowling one delivery at 150 kilometers per hour is not a major achievement, while maintaining 140kph throughout the day is exceptional,” he said.
The former captain also questioned Shaheen Afridi’s reduced pace, describing him as an experienced bowler whose presence remains important in English conditions.
“If I were there, I would say I need Aaqib Javed. He has bowled well in England recently,” Akram said.
He further stressed the importance of having variety in the pace attack, noting that Pakistan had previously succeeded in similar conditions by using different types of fast bowlers instead of relying on bowlers operating at similar speeds.
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