Wasim Akram, the legendary fast bowler, played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs in his 19-year international career (1984-2003). He took 916 wickets (414 in Tests, 502 in ODIs). He bowled to many great batsmen including Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sanath Jayasuriya and Ricky Ponting.
Best batter ever bowl to
On the Stick to Cricket podcast, Akram was asked to name the best batsman he ever bowled to. He chose former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe. Crowe played 77 Tests and 143 ODIs for New Zealand (1982-1995) and scored over 10,000 runs. Against Pakistan, Crowe scored 973 runs in 11 Tests (averaging 57.23) and 992 runs in 26 ODIs.
Akram said, It’s a tough question. But if I had to pick one who scored runs against us, not knowing about reverse swing, it would be Martin Crowe.
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In a quick fire round, Akram, who captained Pakistan in the 1999 ODI World Cup final, was asked if he’d rather win the World Cup or the World Test Championship (WTC). He replied, World Test Championship. We didn’t have it back then but it’s the ultimate. It’s a long grind.
Favourite bowling partner: Waqar Younis
Akram also said Waqar Younis was his favorite bowling partner, ahead of Shoaib Akhtar and Imran Khan. Younis, who also captained Pakistan, played 87 Tests and 262 ODIs, taking 373 and 416 wickets respectively.
Most underrated bowler
When asked about the most underrated bowler of his time, Akram said, I have to think back. If I have to name a Pakistani bowler, it was Aaqib Javed. He was really good and didn’t get enough credit. Aaqib, currently the high-performance director for the Pakistan men’s cricket team, played 22 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan (1988-1998), taking 54 and 182 wickets respectively.
India favourites in Asia Cup
Wasim Akram thinks India is the favorite to win next month’s Asia Cup in the UAE, citing their recent performances.“India has been in good form lately so they will be the favourites,” Akram told Telecom Asia Sport. “But the team that handles pressure best will win. This Asia Cup should be good for the fans everywhere.”
About the India-Pakistan game on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium, Akram knows the hype is real but wants players and fans to stay calm.
“These games are always exciting and I think this one will be too,” he said. “I hope everyone on the field and in the stands stays in line.”
India Pakistan playing Test Match
Akram also wants India and Pakistan to play Test matches again, which hasn’t happened in almost 20 years. But he said this can only happen if fans are respectful.
“I want to see India and Pakistan play a Test series again. It’s been too long and it would be big for both countries. But fans have to be respectful for that to happen,” Akram finished.
