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Former Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail is in news for another controversial remark on Wasim Akram, who played alongside him in the 1990s. Both Sohail and Akram were an essential part of Pakistan team that lifted the World Cup in 1992 under Imran Khan’s sensational captaincy. Wasim Akram chipped in with 18 wickets in 10 matches to the Green Shirts’ maiden trophy win while Aamer Sohail contributed with 326 runs in 10 outings. Akram was also the Player of the Match in the final for picking up 3/49 figures with the ball against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In an interview with a private TV channel, Sohail said that just a few months ahead of the World Cup, a debate took place whether the captaincy should be handed over to Wasim Akram and this eventually happened which resulted in Pakistan not winning any World Cups after 1992. Sohail added Pakistan could’ve pulled off the World Cup trophy in 1996, 1999, and 2003 and a scrutiny is imperative for the team’s defeats in these competitions. Sohail didn’t spare Imran Khan either and said the World Cup-winning skipper should be indebted to Wasim and felicitated him with Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2019 for this cause.
“There were talks before the World Cup that the captain (talking about himself), who had been holding the reins for two-three years, should be replaced with Wasim Akram. Wasim Akram’s biggest contribution to Pakistan cricket is that he ensured we didn’t win a World Cup after 1992. Imran Khan should be grateful to him, and he even awarded him with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2019. We could have easily won the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups. You must investigate to find out who is responsible,” remarked Sohail.
Ijaz Ahmed also launched a scathing attack on Wasim Akram
Former batter Ijaz Ahmed, who played for Pakistan from 1986 to 2001, also raised a question on Wasim Akram’s decision to bat first in the World Cup 1999 final against Australia at the iconic Lord’s. Ijaz said Wasim’s decision was silly as heavy rain took place in London a day before the marquee contest.
Ijaz also divulged that a night prior to the final, he advised Wasim not to bat first if the toss falls in Pakistan’s favour but no team meeting was convened to discuss it. He also added that even a street cricketer wouldn’t have committed such a mistake.
“When we won the toss, it was like we had already won the final. But what Wasim Akram did that day, even a street cricketer wouldn’t have made that mistake. I told him the night before, seeing the heavy rain, not to bat first. If he was under pressure, he should have called for a team meeting in the morning. But there was no meeting," said Ijaz.
