Wasim Akram slams Pakistan fans for mistreating coaches; asks them to learn from Indians

Wasim Akram has revealed the main reason why he has not yet taken a coaching role with the Pakistan Cricket Team. The former Pakistan skipper is one of the most respected cricketers in the country and has been involved at times with the happenings when things haven’t been going well for the national team. 

Akram, who retired from international cricket in 2003, has been since involved in several commentary stints and also been part of the coaching staff in franchise T20 leagues. He was involved with Kolkata Knight Riders and later had a successful run at Islamabad United as well. He is currently the President of Karachi Kings. 

During a recent interview, Akram was asked why he has not taken up the role of the coach with the national team. His partner-in-crime from his playing days, Waqar Younis has been involved with the national side as the bowling coach and head coach on separate occasions. Akram explained that as the coach of an international team the time he has to spend away from his family becomes an issue. 

“If you work for any international team, you will have to give at least 200 to 250 days to that team. And that’s a lot of work. So, I don’t think I can manage so much work, away from Pakistan, away from my family. Anyway, the boys of the Pakistan team are around me during the PSL. They also have my number and they keep asking me,” Akram said during the interview with Cricket Pakistan. 

After this, he pointed out how the fans and people in Pakistan treat coaches. “Plus, I am not stupid, I keep listening, I keep seeing how people behave badly with the coaches. Win or loss, the coach doesn’t play the game. The coach is only responsible for the planning, the players have to play. If the team loses, we as a nation blame the coach more than he should be blamed for. I am scared of that as well, I don’t like getting mistreated.” 

Akram on why Pakistan fans should learn something from Indian fans

After this Akram gave an example of the Indian cricket team, which has Ravi Shastri, who doesn’t face criticism like a Pakistan coach would face. Pakistan has had a history of removing coaches after a bad stint, or the coaches facing a barrage of criticism each time the national side loses. 

“And sadly, we are becoming like that. I get that Pakistan is a country very passionate about the game. I love the passion for the game, but it will be better if they can reduce that bad behavior on social media. Have you ever seen Ravi Shastri facing the heat because the Indian team is performing badly? They also lose, they also win sometimes, it’s all normal. We are like either on the ground or in the sky,” Akram said.