Players can't trust each other - Akram

Wasim Akram has expressed doubt over the viability of players' associations in India and Pakistan. Younis Khan, the Pakistan captain, had announced his intention to form a players' association and met Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) chief Tim May in this regard. Akram, however, had his doubts over whether such a concept would work. "Our culture will be the biggest barrier, if a players' association has to see light of the day and then deliver," Akram was quoted as saying in the Dawn.

"A geographical divide hasn't partitioned our way of thinking," Akram said. "We have a strange culture in India and Pakistan. Players just can't trust each other. I think it is the only reason why players' associations have not worked."

There have been attempts by players in Pakistan to form a representative body, but have largely failed. Majid Khan made an attempt to form Pakistan's first players' body in the 1980s but it didn't work, while the Indians formed their own around the same time and it eventually met a similar fate.

Younis' move is a significant development for Pakistan cricket, given the almost constant cycle of players developing differences with one another, or with board officials. Player management is also a fledgling concept here and until recently, most players were not formally represented by any party.

Akram himself was part of Pakistan teams which were riddled with factionalism and cliques in the 90s. His removal from captaincy in 1994, due to a players' revolt, is a case in point.