Wasim Akram Archives

Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has lavished high praise on off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him Pakistan’s surprise package for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March in Sri Lanka and India.

Wasim, who was part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20), praised Usman’s bowling skills.

“He is a wonderful bowler, and I hope Pakistan use him in the T20 World Cup because nobody has played against him,” Akram said.

He also recalled how Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene in 2008 when batters had no idea what he was doing.

“If you remember, Sri Lanka’s Ajanta Mendis came in 2008, nobody had a clue what he was doing.”

“If the selectors are monitoring him, he could be very useful on Sri Lankan wickets,” he said.

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For the unversed, Usman Tariq, who has so far played two T20Is for Pakistan, has made headlines for his unconventional bowling action.

He was roped in as a replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahme,d and he made an immediate impact with the ball during the business end of the tournament.

Usman was instrumental in Desert Vipers’ qualification for the final, scalping 3 wickets in the Qualifier.

His spell also included the notable wicket of Tom Banton, who pointed out Tariq’s action after getting dismissed.

Nevertheless, Usman Tariq backed his Qualifier performance in the final with a clinical four-over spell, snaring two wickets while giving away only 20.

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Wasim Akram named brand ambassador for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram as the brand ambassador of the PSL 11.

The decision was announced by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a press conference held here on Sunday alongside PSL CEO Salman Naseer.

“One good thing for PSL is that we have named Wasim Akram as the brand ambassador,” he told reporters.

“Not only that, on the day of the bid, he will be overseeing the auction process,” Naqvi added.

Wasim Akram’s involvement in the PSL has evolved over the years from a brand ambassador to various coaching and management roles with different franchises.

He further said that PSL 11 could start on March 23 instead of the announced date of March 26. The chairman also lauded Aqib Javed for playing a pivotal role in improving the U19 and Pakistan Shaheens performances.

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“Since Aaqib Javed’s arrival, camps have been organized for the Shaheens and age-group cricket teams,” said Mohsin Naqvi. “The performance of the Under-19 and Shaheens teams is improving consistently.”

Mohsin Naqvi also highlighted investment in youth and other sports, noting that a detailed plan for covering other sports is under discussion.

“Our focus is heavily on youth, and this is where new talent will emerge,” he maintained. School cricket has been completed in Lahore and Faisalabad, Mohsin Naqvi stated.

“News channels should also cover other sports, and a plan is in place for this, the PCB chief concluded.

For those unaware, the Pakistan Super League, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

The league will undergo its first major restructuring with the inclusion of two new franchises, for which the auction process will be held on 8 January in Islamabad.

READ: PCB to take control of Multan Sultans for PSL 11

Wasim Akram reacts to ‘Super Starc’s’ record breaking feat

Legendary cricketer and one of the all-time great fast bowlers Wasim Akram has lavished praise on Australia quick Mitchell Starc for surpassing his wicket tally in the longest format of the game during the pink-ball Ashes Test.

Akram, 59, took to his social media account to mention the pacer’s hard work, which helped him reach the top level.

“Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets. I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career,” Akram wrote on X

Earlier in the day, the tall Australian quick became the highest wicket-taker among left-arm pacers in Test cricket, leaving behind the legendary Pakistani pacer.

He crossed the landmark by dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook in a devastating opening spell of the day-night Test, taking his tally to 415 wickets in just 102 matches.

Akram had previously held the record with 414 wickets from 104 Tests.

Most Wickets in Test cricket by Left-Arm Pacers:

Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
Mitchell Starc	Australia	102	418*
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	104	414
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	111	355
Trent Boult	New Zealand	78	317
Mitchell Johnson	Australia	73	313

Moreover, Starc also strengthened his remarkable dominance in pink-ball cricket.

He now has 87 wickets in day-night Tests, the most by any bowler globally, and has become the first player in Test history to claim more than 20 wickets against a single opponent in pink-ball matches.

Nonetheless, Mitchell Starc picked up another five-wicket haul and ended the day’s play with six wickets to his name. Meanwhile, England managed to add a crucial number of runs on the last wicket and finished the opening day with 325-9.

Joe Root remained unbeaten at 135 from 202 balls, whereas Jofra Archer hit a quickfire 32 from 26 balls.

READ: Joe Root ends Australian century wait in second Ashes Test

Mitchell Starc breaks Wasim Akram’s Test record

BRISBANE: Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc scripted history under lights at the Gabba on Thursday, overtaking Pakistan great Wasim Akram during the ongoing Ashes clash against England.

Starc became the highest wicket-taker among left-arm pacers in Test cricket, leaving behind the legendary Pakistani pacer.

He crossed the landmark by dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in a devastating opening spell of the day-night Test, taking his tally to 415 wickets in just 102 matches.

Akram had previously held the record with 414 wickets from 104 Tests.

Most Wickets in Test cricket by Left-Arm Pacers:

Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
Mitchell Starc	Australia	102	415*
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	104	414
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	111	355
Trent Boult	New Zealand	78	317
Mitchell Johnson	Australia	73	313

Moreover, Starc also strengthened his remarkable dominance in pink-ball cricket.

He now has 84 wickets in day-night Tests, the most by any bowler globally, and has become the first player in Test history to claim more than 20 wickets against a single opponent in pink-ball matches.

Australia went into the match with an all-pace bowling attack, resting veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for only the second time at home since 2012, while regular skipper Pat Cummins was unavailable for the contest.

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Despite the early jolts, England responded through a measured recovery led by opener Zak Crawley, who top-scored with 76 from 93 balls, striking 11 boundaries.

Joe Root anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 88, while Brook added a brisk 31 before becoming Starc’s third victim of the day.

At the time of filing, England were 240-6, with Root and Will Jacks at the crease.

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Mitchell Starc poised to break Wasim Akram’s Test record

BRISBANE: Australian spearhead Mitchell Starc is on the verge of breaking the record of Pakistan’s iconic pacer Wasim Akram during the upcoming Ashes Test against England.

Since making his Test debut in 2011, Starc has claimed 412 wickets in 101 matches over a remarkable 14-year career.

He now needs just two more wickets to equal Akram’s tally of 414, the benchmark for left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket.

Most Wickets in Test cricket by Left-Arm Pacers:

Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
Wasim Akram	Pakistan	104	414
Mitchell Starc	Australia	101	412*
Chaminda Vaas	Sri Lanka	111	355
Trent Boult	New Zealand	78	317
Mitchell Johnson	Australia	73	313

The 35-year-old’s pursuit of this milestone comes as he continues to solidify his place among the all-time greats of the game.

During the opening Ashes Test at Perth, he almost single-handedly spearheaded Australia’s depleted pace attack, taking 7 for 58 in the first innings and finishing with ten wickets in the match to dismantle England.

Overall, 2025 has been a phenomenal year for the left-armer, who has picked up 39 wickets at an average of just 15.71.

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If he maintains this form in the upcoming second Ashes Test starting on December 4, Starc has a perfect opportunity to surpass Akram.

Achieving six wickets in the match could see him climb from 17th to 15th on the list of all-time Test wicket-takers, overtaking Akram (414) and India’s Harbhajan Singh (417).

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Wasim Akram tips THIS pacer as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling sensation

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has thrown his weight behind teenage pacer Ali Raza, calling him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Pakistan cricket.

In an interview with Wisden Cricket, the former Pakistan captain praised Raza’s raw pace and natural talent, saying that with proper guidance, the youngster could develop into a world-class bowler.

“I very rarely watch Pakistan’s first-class cricket, but I think this young fast bowler, Ali Raza, has a bright future ahead,” Akram said.

“If he’s guided properly and understands what it takes to become a top red-ball bowler, the white-ball success will follow automatically.”

Wasim Akram also shared his optimism about the current global pace scene, pointing out that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Starc have all rediscovered their rhythm.

“Shaheen, in particular, has regained his pace, which is a great sign,” he noted.

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However, he did not hold back when addressing what he sees as one of the sport’s biggest challenges, which is politics creeping into cricket.

“What I don’t like in cricket is politics; sports should be away from it,” he said. “In league cricket, every player from every nation should be picked. Be brave, be bigger, but that’s not happening, unfortunately.”

“That’s where the ICC and cricket boards need to step in. Regardless of who owns the leagues or the teams, opportunities should be open for everyone,” he added.

For the unversed, seventeen-year-old Ali Raza has been one of the breakout performers of PSL 10, representing Peshawar Zalmi.

The right-arm quick picked up 12 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.25 and an economy rate of 9.18, earning plaudits from both fans and former players.

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Wasim Akram shares key advice for Shaheen Afridi ahead of India clash

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has advised Shaheen Shah Afridi to avoid predictability with the new ball during their Super Four clash against India in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Akram suggested that Afridi must be smarter with his lengths if he is to trouble Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill, who was recently dismissed by Omani pacer Shah Faisal with a late-swinging full delivery in India’s group-stage match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

“That’s what I want Shaheen Afridi to do early on, because the whole world now knows the plan against him,” Akram said.

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“Everyone says, ‘Okay, he’ll be bowling yorkers first up.’ So Afridi needs to have a Plan B. I’m fine with one-off yorkers, but not two or three in a row, because if he misses even one, it goes for a boundary with only two fielders outside the circle. Mixing it up with length balls is better.”

He emphasised that while Afridi’s attacking intent is clear, varying his approach will give him a better chance of success against India’s top order.

Wasim Akram also raised concerns over Pakistan’s struggles against left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who proved decisive in the previous encounter between the arch-rivals.

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“It’s just the way he (Kuldeep) bowls. They can’t read him,” Akram said.

“In the pre-show, I was talking to Sunny bhai (Sunil Gavaskar), who said, ‘Unless you can read him from the hand, you won’t understand that type of bowling.’ When Pakistan’s batters keep sweeping against Kuldeep every second ball, it shows they are not reading him.”

Pakistan will be looking to bounce back after their seven-wicket defeat to India at the same venue last week, where Shaheen Afridi managed a useful cameo with the bat but went wicketless, conceding 23 runs in just two overs.

READ: Gavaskar slams Pakistan for skipping press conference ahead of India clash

Wasim Akram urges Pakistan to focus on Asia Cup glory beyond India clash

DUBAI: Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has called on Pakistan’s players to look beyond the hype of facing India and keep their eyes firmly on winning the Asia Cup 2025.

Ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Akram advised the relatively inexperienced side to maintain perspective and not get consumed by the rivalry.

“Pakistan shouldn’t just aim to beat India; the real target is to win the Asia Cup,” Akram said. “Even if you lose to a strong opponent, the key is to stand tall and play well throughout the tournament.”

The match carries additional weight as it marks the first cricketing meeting between the two neighbours since a brief military conflict four months ago.

Yet Wasim Akram urged players and fans alike to strip away the politics and focus purely on cricket.

“Enjoy it, it’s just a game,” the iconic left-armer remarked. “One team will win, one will lose, that’s the nature of sport. The challenge is to handle the pressure, stay disciplined, and enjoy the occasion.”

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Drawing from his own career, Akram recalled thriving under the intensity of Indo-Pak encounters, including leading Pakistan during the tense 1999 tour of India and being part of the 1987 series at a time of heightened political tensions.

Both sides come into the Dubai clash in form.

India demolished the UAE in their opener, rolling them over for 57 and chasing the target inside five overs.

Pakistan, meanwhile, beat Oman convincingly, defending 160 before bowling their opponents out for 67 in 16.4 overs.

While India holds a dominant edge in T20Is, winning 10 of 13 contests, Akram reminded Pakistan that momentum can quickly shift.

“They are the T20 world champions, yes, but Pakistan just won a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. In tournaments like this, anything can happen,” he noted.

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Wasim Akram urges Pakistan to reconsider Babar Azam for T20Is

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has thrown his support behind star batter Babar Azam, insisting that he still has a role to play in T20I cricket despite being left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad.

Babar, currently the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history, has been sidelined from the format since the tour of South Africa in December last year.

His exclusion from the Asia Cup squad comes as Pakistan look to invest in young players ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Speaking to an Indian broadcaster, Akram highlighted Babar’s value in tricky run-chases, particularly on challenging pitches.

“I want Babar to be in T20Is. Just think about it, against stronger sides, if you’re chasing 150 or 160 on a slightly dodgy wicket, it’ll be difficult without a batter like him,” Akram said.

However, he also acknowledged that Babar and Mohammad Rizwan should have evolved their game according to the needs of modern-day cricket.

“You have to adjust your game, and that’s where he could be useful. But I also think this team is doing fine,” he stated further.

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“Babar and Rizwan were given four to five years as openers. They did well but not consistently enough, and that’s why the selectors have turned to new players.”

The legendary pacer also expressed confidence in Pakistan’s new-look T20I side led by Salman Ali Agha, praising their fearless approach.

“Babar is not there, Rizwan is not there. The idea was to move forward with youngsters,” he added.

“They’ve done well, maybe not consistently, but at least they play with the right mindset. They don’t fear losing, and when you fear losing, you crumble under pressure.”

Wasim Akram reserved special praise for captain Salman Ali Agha, calling him a selfless leader.

“Salman is a good captain; he leads from the front. He even sacrifices his batting position at No. 4 or 5, depending on the situation. I just hope they don’t make too many changes to this team. If they stick together, they can regularly beat top sides,” he concluded.

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Former Pakistan captain shares key advice for Babar Azam

Former Pakistan captain and pace great Wasim Akram has offered words of encouragement for Babar Azam, who finds himself out of the national T20I setup following a dip in form.

Speaking on a local TV show, Akram reflected on the pressures that come with international cricket and urged the star batter to keep his focus intact despite the noise around him.

“Babar Azam is our superstar and among the top players in world cricket,” said Akram.

“My advice to him is simple: stay calm, don’t pay attention to unnecessary press conferences, and remember that form is temporary but class is forever. Keep working hard and you’ll return to the top of world cricket.”

The former left-arm pacer also weighed in on the ongoing debate of whether Babar Azam is merely a prolific run-getter or a true match-winner, suggesting that the best chapters of his career are still to come.

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“He is already a great batsman, but his best is yet to come. And he will also lead Pakistan to victory,” Akram remarked.

When asked whether Babar could reach the stature of Javed Miandad in terms of defining match-winning knocks, Wasim Akram said the right-hander has the ability but must convert that potential into game-changing performances.

“Babar has what it takes to be a match-winner; the talent and consistency are already there,” he added.

“But he needs to win two or three big matches single-handedly with his batting to cement his place among the greats. No doubt, he is a top-class player.”

Babar Azam, the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history, has not featured in the format since Pakistan’s three-match series against South Africa in December last year.

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