'I am not a fool' : Wasim Akram reveals why he will never coach Pakistan

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has revealed the reason why he doesn’t want to coach the Pakistan national team. Akram, who retired from the game in 2003, has some experience of coaching teams, having previously worked in the coaching setup of KKR in IPL and a few franchises in PSL. With head coach Misbah ul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis stepping down from their posts, there were calls to give the reins of the Pakistan team to Wasim Akram.

However, the veteran said he won’t take up a full-time coaching role due to its challenging commitments. Akram said he has worked with most of the players in PSL thus if they need his help, they can directly contact him.

“When you become the coach, you need to give at least 200 to 250 days a year to the team and that’s a lot of work. I don’t think I can manage so much work away from Pakistan, from my family. And as it is, I spend time with most of the players in the PSL, they all have my number and they keep asking for advice,” Akram said in the interview to Cricket Pakistan.

Akram gave one more reason for his decision to stay away from coaching Pakistan. The legendary pacer said the fans in Pakistan are emotionally attached to the game thus if the team does not perform well, they start criticising the coach. Akram added he can’t tolerate misbehaviour.

“I am not a fool. I keep on hearing and seeing on social media how people misbehave with their coaches and seniors. The coach isn’t the one playing. The players are the ones playing. The coach can only help with the planning. So, if the team loses, I don’t think the coach is as responsible or accountable as we hold him as a nation.”

“So, I’m afraid of that as well, because I can’t tolerate anyone misbehaving with me. And we are becoming like that. I love the people, their enthusiasm and passion for the game, but not the misbehavior that is shown on social media. It shows what we are. I have never seen this happen in other countries.” Akram added.

Meanwhile, PCB roped in former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden and South Africa veteran Vernon Philander for the T20 World Cup. The Babar Azam-led side will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals India in Dubai on October 24.