Wasim Akram’s Prediction for Pakistan's Australia Tour
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 1, 2024
- 1:08 pm
- 19
- Sports
Cricket legend Wasim Akram has a clear prediction for Pakistan's tour of Australia: it’s going to be a tough battle. Akram thinks that securing even one ODI win against the Aussies would be a “major achievement.” His realistic take shows the difficulty of playing in Australian conditions, which have historically posed a major hurdle for Pakistan.
Speaking from Melbourne, Akram said, “Australian conditions always challenge Pakistan.” He highlighted Pakistan's struggles on previous tours, especially in ODIs. While the team is up for both ODIs and T20s, Akram believes Pakistan’s strengths might translate better in the T20 format.
Rizwan's Leadership in the Spotlight
Akram is also watching the tour closely to see how Mohammad Rizwan handles his new captaincy. “Rizwan is optimistic about turning the tables this time around,” he said. Akram thinks Rizwan’s captaincy could bring fresh energy but cautions that leading in Australia will be no small test. For Akram, Rizwan’s calm, focused approach might give Pakistan a fighting chance against a formidable Australian squad.
Karachi Training Camp
Pakistan’s squad has already kicked off a five-day camp in Karachi, focusing on adapting to Australian pitches. The camp, led by Saeed Bin Nasir, is key to helping the team get ready for the bounce and pace they’ll face Down Under. Akram emphasized that preparation is everything, especially in conditions that don’t come naturally to Pakistan’s players.
Addressing Fakhar Zaman’s Controversy
Akram didn’t shy away from addressing Fakhar Zaman’s recent social media mishap, where a controversial post caused a stir. Akram stated, “I’m confident Fakhar didn’t write it himself,” while advising players to be more cautious with their online presence. He noted that young players should focus on their game, not distractions, and think carefully about their image. For Akram, this is as much a learning experience for Fakhar as it is a reminder for others.
Building Toughness at Home
Akram defended Pakistan’s use of spinning tracks in home games, even though these pitches don’t mirror the ones in Australia. “Pakistan doesn’t need external critics when there’s plenty of criticism from within,” he noted, adding that spin-friendly conditions build the team’s resilience. Akram sees the tough conditions as essential to developing grit, even if it means some losses along the way.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond this tour, Akram is looking at the bigger picture. He hopes this series will help mold Pakistan’s young talents, including stars like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. His advice for the youngsters is clear: “Enjoy their time off, and keep their attention on cricket.” Akram also pointed out the importance of Babar Azam focusing solely on scoring runs rather than on the pressures of leadership.
Bottom Line
Wasim Akram is realistic but hopeful about Pakistan’s tour of Australia. While he knows the odds aren’t in their favor in ODIs, he believes they can fight hard in the T20s. The tour may be challenging, but Akram sees it as a stepping stone for Pakistan’s next generation of talent. His advice is clear: stay focused, stay grounded, and seize the moment.
