Wasim Akram Archives

Former captain comments on Babar Azam’s match-winning ability

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has shared his thoughts on star batter Babar Azam’s poor form and match-winning ability, urging him to win key matches on his own.

Akram shared his thoughts regarding Babar Azam during an appearance on a TV show.

“Babar Azam is our superstar and a top player in world cricket. I would just advise him to stay calm, ignore unnecessary press conferences, and remember that ‘Form is temporary, class is forever.’ Keep going, and you will return to the top of world cricket again,” Akram said.

He emphasized the 30-year-old’s match-winning ability, lauding his stature as a great batter.

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“He is already a great batsman, but his best is yet to come—and he will also lead the team to victory,” he stated.

“Right now, Babar has what it takes to be a match-winner—the talent is definitely there, and consistency is there—but he needs to win 2–3 important matches on his own with his batting. No doubt, he is a top-class player,” he concluded.

For context, Babar Azam is going through a rough patch with his last international century coming in the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal. Since then, he has struggled to reach the three-figure mark.

Moreover, he was also axed from the Pakistan T20I lineup amid concerns regarding his strike rate. Babar Azam’s last appearance in the format came in December 2024 against South Africa.

Currently, the Pakistan team is in the United Arab Emirates, playing against Afghanistan and the hosts, the UAE, in the T20I tri-series—a tournament serving as a rehearsal for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

The Asia Cup 2025 is slated to commence on September 9 with a match between Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

READ: Mike Hesson dedicates Pakistan’s consecutive wins to flood victims in heartfelt message

Two Pakistan legends named in Lockie Ferguson’s all-time Top Five Test Pacers

New Zealand cricketer Lockie Ferguson has revealed his top five Test bowlers of all time, including Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.

Ferguson, speaking to an Indian outlet, highlighted his admiration for legendary quicks known for their pace and aggression.

His list also features Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, New Zealand’s Shane Bond, and West Indies great Curtly Ambrose, but notably, no Indian bowler.

“Shane Bond, Mitchell Johnson, Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Curtly Ambrose,” Lockie Ferguson said, when asked about the bowlers he rated most highly.

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Wasim Akram retired in 2003, but his legacy still continues to earn global recognition.

Just recently, former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock slotted him at No. 7 in his all-time left-handers’ XI, which also included Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir and India’s Ravindra Jadeja.

Acclaimed as two of Pakistan’s deadliest fast bowlers, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar are celebrated for their sheer pace, swing, and ability to dominate batting line-ups, earning them recognition by Lockie Ferguson.

Wasim Akram, often called the “Sultan of Swing,” remains the second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 502 wickets in 356 matches, alongside 414 wickets in 104 Tests.

Shoaib Akhtar, the “Rawalpindi Express,” claimed 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs.

He still holds the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history, a blistering 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in 2003.

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Wasim Akram expresses disappointment over Babar Azam’s absence from Pakistan squad

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has voiced his regret over the omission of ace batter Babar Azam from the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup 2025.

Babar was not included in the Pakistan squad, amid criticism surrounding his strike rate. The top-order batter last played in the T20Is against South Africa in December 2024.

During an interview with a sports platform, Wasim Akram has backed the young Pakistan squad to do well in the upcoming tournament.

He said that the team has the hunger to upset India while rueing the absence of Babar Azam.

“Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he’s not been selected, it’s up to those in the squad to step up,” Wasim Akram said.

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He also tipped the Asia Cup as an exciting event for fans worldwide, expressing his desire to see India and Pakistan contesting in the longest format of the game.

“This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It’s my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It’s been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides,” Wasim Akram added.

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

READ: Wasim Akram predicts winner of India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Wasim Akram predicts winner of India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has tipped India as the favorites for the much-anticipated ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan

The two teams will square off in a high-voltage clash on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This will also be India and Pakistan’s first meeting since the heightened tensions that occurred in May.

Now, Wasim Akram has commented on the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, urging fans not to lose their discipline.

“I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other India-Pakistan matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and do not cross the line,” he said in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.

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The 59-year-old also opined on the clash, deeming India as the favorites due to their recent form.

“If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India has been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win,” said Wasim Akram.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan will play Afghanistan and the UAE in the tri-series before the marquee event. The matches of the tri-series are set to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from August 29 to September 7.

The continental tournament is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025

READ: Hasan Nawaz comments on Pakistan’s preparations ahead of Tri-series, Asia Cup 2025

Two Pakistan players named in Quinton de Kock’s all-time left-handers’ XI

Former South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has named two players from Pakistan in his all-time left-handers’ XI.

De Kock slotted himself at the top of the order alongside Australia’s explosive opener Matthew Hayden.

The top four features a heavy Sri Lankan presence with Sanath Jayasuriya at No. 3 and Kumar Sangakkara at No. 4.

The middle order includes “Mr. Cricket” Michael Hussey and India’s Ravindra Jadeja, before Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Wasim Akram takes up the No. 7 role.

In the bowling attack, Quinton de Kock opted for a mix of pace and spin.

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Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath is the only specialist spinner, complemented by a formidable trio of left-arm quicks: Mitchell Johnson (Australia), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), and Mohammad Amir (Pakistan).

Akram’s inclusion comes as no surprise as the “Sultan of Swing” remains the second-highest wicket-taker in ODI history with 502 wickets in 356 matches, alongside 414 scalps in Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Amir’s selection is more recent in flavour. The left-armer picked 119 wickets in 36 Tests, 81 in ODIs, and 71 in T20Is for Pakistan.

He briefly returned for the 2024 T20 World Cup after his first retirement in 2020, but after taking just seven wickets in four matches, he announced a second retirement after the mega-event.

Quinton de Kock’s All-Time Left-Handers’ XI

Matthew Hayden, Quinton de Kock (wk), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Michael Hussey, Ravindra Jadeja, Wasim Akram, Rangana Herath, Mohammad Amir, Chaminda Vaas, Mitchell Johnson.

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Wasim Akram comments on India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

The tensions between India and Pakistan have flared up in recent times, with both countries on the brink of a full-fledged war.

A few days earlier, former cricketers also questioned the very need for the India vs Pakistan clash in the tournament.

Harbajan Singh, who was part of the recently concluded World Championship of Legends (WCL), had stated, “Why do we give them so much importance?

Similarly, former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav has added fuel to the ongoing debate around the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 with his remarks.

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“I think the Indian team should not play at all. As far as India is concerned, wherever India plays, it will always win. But this match should not be played, and I can say this with confidence that they will not play,” he said.

Now, Wasim Akram has stated about the contest during a recent show in which he discussed various aspects of his cricketing career.

“The Asia Cup schedule has been announced. They (India) are probably getting the backlash. But we in Pakistan are calm. We are fine if we play or don’t play. The game must go on,” Akram said.

The left-arm pacer discussed the India-Pakistan Test series, with both countries playing the last Test match back in 2007.

“I hope so, but I think Indians will probably take a different take on this,” he said.

“In my opinion, politics apart, we are not politicians, and I am not a politician. They are patriotic about their country; we are patriotic about ours.

Let’s not go below the belt. Talk about the triumphs of your country; the same goes for Pakistan, and the same goes for India. It is easier said than done,” Wasim Akram concluded.

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Wasim Akram hails This batter as best he ever bowled to in his career

Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has revealed the name of the best batter he ever bowled to during his illustrious 17-year career.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Stick to Cricket featuring renowned England cricket legends Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, David Lloyd, and Phil Tufnell, Akram shed light on different aspects of his cricketing career.

When asked to name the best batter he had bowled, the left-arm pacer picked former West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards.

“People ask me a lot, who was the best batsman I bowled at. I played against Sir Vivian Richards, who is top of the order for me. It’s not just his batting, it’s the whole package, his charisma he carried with him,” he said.

“There were so many – Allan Border, Graham Gooch, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara. Sir Viv Richards was at the end of his career in 1987/88, but what a character he was – he was everyone’s hero, ” Wasim Akram revealed.

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The 59-year-old also named five best cricketers he played against during his time.

“My top has to be Imran Khan for me, because of his performances for Pakistan. Viv Richards, Martin Crowe. Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar has to be in there,” he said.

“I very rarely played against the great Ricky Ponting, but in ODI cricket one cricketer who troubled me was the Australian Adam Gilchrist. ”

He also mentioned that Australia and England are the best countries for playing cricket.

“I think I have to pick two. Difficult to pick one. England is one of the best countries to play cricket in due to its rich history, excellent facilities, extensive knowledge of the game, and easy travel.

And then, of course, Australia. I remember when I was touring Australia in 1989 after the first year with Lancashire, Imran told me if you perform in this country against this country [Australia], you’ll recognize straight awa,y and that’s what
exactly happened,” Wasim Akram concluded.

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Three Pakistan greats feature in Wayne Parnell’s all-time ODI XI

Former South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell has revealed his all-time ODI XI, with three legendary Pakistan cricketers making the cut.

Parnell’s dream team features all-rounder Shahid Afridi and the iconic pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, regarded among the most feared combinations in cricket history.

The 36-year-old, who recently won the World Championship of Legends (WCL) with South Africa Champions, named former India captain MS Dhoni as skipper and wicketkeeper of the side.

For the opening slots, Parnell went with Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and South Africa’s prolific run-scorer Hashim Amla.

Modern-day great Virat Kohli was slotted at No. 3, followed by South Africa’s AB de Villiers and Australia’s Michael Hussey in the middle order.

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Afridi was chosen as the lone all-rounder, providing explosive batting alongside his wicket-taking leg-spin, while Dhoni was tasked with leading the side both on and off the field.

The bowling attack is spearheaded by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Australian speedster Brett Lee.

Spin duties are handled by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, paired with Afridi for variety and threat in all conditions.

All-time ODI XI of Wayne Parnell: Sachin Tendulkar, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Michael Hussey, Shahid Afridi, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Wasim Akram, Brett Lee, Muttiah Muralitharan, Waqar Younis.

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Former Pakistan captain calls for Babar Azam’s return ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has called for the return of star batter Babar Azam to the national T20I setup ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to be held next month.

Babar, along with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, has been missing from Pakistan’s T20I plans in recent months under the new management led by head coach Mike Hesson.

The 30-year-old last featured in a T20I against South Africa in December 2024, after which he was dropped following a string of inconsistent performances and concerns over his strike rate.

In a recent interview with a local sports platform, Wasim Akram expressed strong backing for Babar’s inclusion in the squad, stressing the importance of experience ahead of two major events, the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team,” Akram said. “The Asia Cup and the World Cup are just around the corner, and we need a senior batter who can handle pressure.”

Highlighting Babar’s ability to adjust, Akram pointed to the batter’s 2019 stint with Somerset in the T20 Blast, where he struck runs at a strike rate close to 150.

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“He has the ability to adapt his batting according to the situation,” he added.

“When we’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players along with him. Babar is among the world’s best players.”

Akram insisted that while younger players bring energy, experience remains key in knockout scenarios.

“He still has a lot of cricket left in him. He’s among the best in the world and we should support him instead of sidelining him,” the legendary left-arm pacer added.

On the question of batting position, Wasim Akram left the call to the team management but offered his own preference.

“The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs left, someone else could also go in to bat first,” he concluded.

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Mohammad Abbas joins elite list of legends with 800 First-class wickets

NOTTINGHAM: Veteran Pacer Mohammad Abbas on Tuesday etched his name into the history books, becoming only the fifth Pakistan pacer to take 800 first-class wickets.

Abbas, who is the fifth pacer from Pakistan after Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Sarfaraz Nawaz, achieved the milestone during the 55th fixture of the County Championship Division One.

Mohammad Abbas, representing Nottinghamshire, achieved the feat in his 198th first-class match.

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While representing Nottinghamshire against Somerset, Mohammad Abbas scalped three wickets in the first innings of the four-day game. He removed the opening three batters of the opposing team, joining an elusive list.

The 35-year-old has been in impressive form with the ball, taking 25 wickets in seven matches so far at an average of 22.04.

Most First-Class Wickets By Pakistan Pacers

Imran Khan 1287 wickets in 382 matches

Wasim Akram 1042 wickets in 257 matches

Sarfaraz Nawaz 956 wickets in 299 matches

Waqar Younis 800 wickets in 228 matches

Mohammad Abbas* 800 wickets in 198 matches

The right-arm pacer has represented Pakistan in 27 Tests from 2017 to 2025, taking 100 wickets at a brilliant average of 23.18.

Mohammad Abbas returned to the Pakistan Test squad in the series against South Africa earlier this year after a four-year absence.

He was recalled on the back of an outstanding Quaid-e-Azam Trophy campaign, during which he claimed 31 wickets in five matches.

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