Wasim Akram reverses decision in national interest (4 January 1999)

4 January 1999

Wasim Akram reverses decision in national interest

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Jan 3: Twelve months after vowing never to lead Pakistan again, Wasim Akram reversed his decision on Sunday and accepted the captaincy of the team saying that he was now mentally more focused towards the sport.

"Last year, I was very upset with whatever was happening. Since then things have not changed very much but I find myself more motivated and determined to silence my critics with some all-round performance," Akram said from Lahore.

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad, who toured the West Indies in 1993 under Akram, said the all-rounder was the best choice in the present situation. "We have no differences. He is as much concerned about the performance of the team as I am. The objective of both of us is to put Pakistan back on the victory path."

Miandad said he was a much polished and refined player now as compared to five years ago. "Besides, the players wanted him as captain so I am sure the team would give an improved performance on the Indian tour."

But Akram said: "If my relationship with Javed Miandad is not good, it has nothing to do with cricket. As far as cricket is concerned, we are together and will try to do what is best for the country."

Akram said he was very disturbed last year when he was removed after leading Pakistan to a 3-0 victory over the West Indies. "I even thought of giving up the sport because I was not getting a fair deal. The newspapers were accusing me and some of the cricket board officials were also biased against me.

"But the major difference between today and last year is that at least I am being consulted by the top hierarchy. I am getting the respect which I think I deserve," he stated.

Akram said he was offered captaincy before the start of the season but "since I was not mentally prepared, I turned down the offer. I was again offered captaincy by the PCB chairman two days ago which I accepted because I thought the team and the country needed me. Sometimes you also have to reverse your earlier decisions in the best interest of the country."

Akram said on all three occasions in the past when he was appointed as captain, the side was passing through a lean period. "The scenario is not different this time either. But I am sure that the players will put up their best on the demanding tour of India."

Akram said the lattest assignment, the fourth in five years, has taken a lot of pressure off his mind regarding the allegations of match-fixing and betting. "It is not a matter of exoneration. I didn't do anything so I was never afraid of all those accusations which disturbed me mentally."

The 32-year-old left-hander was not bothered about the appointment of Mian Mohammad Munir as manager. "It is purely management's decision. He would be doing managerial work and I have to extend full support to him."

Mian Munir was the member of the PCB probe committee which had recommended that Akram, along with Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmad should not be selected until the betting and match-fixing allegations were completed.

"I believe that Mian Munir was doing a job as probe committee member. Now he has been given another assignment and I am sure he will not be mixing it with probe committee working.

"I don't think Mian Munir has been appointed as a watch-dog by the cricket board."

Javed Miandad said the team needed a captain who can lead from the front and with example. "I think Wasim has the capability to lead from the front. His own performances can be an inspiration to the team.

"The basic problem with the team is that we are struggling with combination. Besides, the players know that they have not done justice to their reputation and talent against Australia and Zimbabwe. But things would improve with Wasim Akram as in charge."

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)