Wasim Akram urges patience with new players and coaching staff ahead of T20 series

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has called for patience and long-term planning as Pakistan's T20 cricket team undergoes a transitional phase with new players and coaching staff, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Monday.

Speaking to the media, Akram stressed that young players in the T20 setup need to be mentally conditioned for international challenges.

“The new players in the T20 team will have to be brainwashed,” he remarked, emphasising the need to shape their mindset.

He urged fans and the cricket board not to rush results, especially with the appointment of a new head coach. “We are too quick to get results. We just want instant success, but the new coach must be given time to build the team,” he said.

Akram praised emerging talents like Hassan Nawaz, calling him “a good player,” and lauded the performances of Salman Mirza and Ali Raza for their impressive bowling efforts in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Hassan Nawaz has impressed in the PSL. Salman and Ali Raza showed good performance in bowling,” he noted.

Acknowledging the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Akram commended its management of the final stages of PSL under challenging circumstances. “The PCB took good steps in every field in a difficult situation. The return of foreign players to Pakistan is commendable,” he added.

He also weighed in on the potential of former captain Younus Khan as a batting coach, especially in red-ball cricket. “Younus Khan is a good option as a batting coach. He is very special for Pakistan cricket,” Akram said, while adding that he was unaware of the current status of Younus Khan’s relationship with the PCB.

On Pakistan-India cricket ties, Akram refrained from speculating. “I myself cannot comment on what will change in Pakistan-India cricket,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh, Akram expressed hope that the new coach would bring a fresh mindset to the squad. “The new coach will work on the Pakistan team with a new approach. Players should be given time in T20 cricket,” he concluded.