Everyone raves about Mohammad Asif, he's talent wasted no doubt: Wasim Akram

Pakistan’s veteran pacer Wasim Akram has opined on Mohammad Asif, calling the latter a “talent wasted”. Akram, who was one of the finest bowlers during his time and wreaked havoc on the field, feels that Asif could not stand up to the expectations and failed to live up to his potential.

The world of cricket has benefited greatly from Pakistan’s never-ending source of gifted fast bowlers. Few lost steam after exhibiting their first spark, but some went on to become legends. Akram was the latter as he got 414 wickets in 104 Tests and 502 in 356 One Day Internationals and along with Waqar Younis, he made up a potent fast bowling combination that produced some memorable moments for Pakistan cricket. Following him, Pakistan’s fast bowlers produced several impressive performances, but Akram is disappointed with Asif.

“Everyone raves about Mohammad Asif. I mean talent wasted no doubt. Whoever I talk to…that kind of bowler I saw after a long time. Jis tareeke se control karta tha ball ko (The way he used to control the ball). He could swing both ways. It’s very unfortunate for him and of course for Pakistan too. I have not seen him for ages. It’s been 10 years since I came to Karachi, I go to Lahore very less,” Akram said on To Be Honest 3.0, a YouTube show.

Asif’s career ended in 2010 after the spot-fixing fiasco

With Pakistan, Asif played just 23 Tests but claimed 106 wickets. He also took 46 wickets in 38 ODIs. He had previously tested positive for banned substances before the allegations of spot-fixing. Before that, Asif was one of the most challenging pacers to play. It was tricky to read him because of the way he swung and seamed his delivery.

He took 165 wickets in his brief international career of 72 games. He was involved in spot-fixing by delivering front-foot no-balls that were scheduled in advance in the Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan in 2010, which led to an early end to his career.