Amir Sohail has accused Wasim Akram of Pakistan failing to win World Cup after 1992.
He said Wasim Akram became the captain of the national side at the last moment till the 2003 World Cup. That’s why Pakistan failed to win big cricket tournaments post 1992.
“It’s very simple. Put the 1992 World Cup to one side and talk about the 1996 World Cup. In 1995, Ramiz Raja was captain. Saleem Malik was the captain before that. Also, Malik was very successful and if he could have another year as captain then Wasim would not have been leading the side,” Aamir remarked.
Amir Sohail — "Wasim Akram made sure that Pakistan doesn't win any WorldCup after 1992 & that's his biggest contribution. Imran Khan should be thankful to him for which Wasim is awarded with presidential award. Pakistan would've won WC 96/99/03 if Wasim had been sincere."#cricket
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) May 4, 2020
He went on to add that “There was this persistence before every World Cup to remove the captain and put Wasim Akram in that role.”
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In his explosive statement, he slammed the participation of Wasim Akram in the 1992 World Cup. Wasim Akram’s biggest contribution was to ensure Pakistan did not win the World Cups after 1992.
“Look, the biggest contribution by Wasim Akram for Pakistan cricket was making sure Pakistan does not win a World Cup after 92. Imran Khan should be very grateful to him, and he is, by awarding him the presidential award. If he [Wasim] was sincere with Pakistan, we would have easily won 1996, 1999 and 2003 World Cups,” claimed Amir Sohail.
He says PCB should investigate the suspicious role of Wasim Akram in the World Cup. Moreover, PCB should punish all the culprits involved in failing Pakistan in the World Cup.
Shoaib Akhtar praised Wasim Akram
Amir Sohail expressed dismay over Wasim Akram’s role as a skipper. Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar lauded Wasim Akram’s cricketing skills and leadership. He attempted to absolve Wasim Akram from the accusation of match-fixing. In a video released on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar discussed the greatness of Wasim Akram.
Akhtar said he would have killed Wasim Akram, had he approached him for match-fixing, which he did not. He expressed these comments while expressing the greatness of the former captain Wasim Akram in an interview.
“I was watching few matches of the 1990s and I was amazed to see how Wasim Akram got Pakistan through impossible situations with his brilliant bowling,” said Akhtar. “I will say it very clear that if Wasim Akram had asked me to do match-fixing, I would have destroyed him or even kill him. But he never said such a thing to me,” claimed Shoaib Akhtar.
Read more: ‘I would have killed’ Wasim Akram for match-fixing: Shoaib Akhtar denies allegations
He also thanked Wasim Akram for supporting him throughout his career.
“I played with him for seven to eight years and I can quote many instances where he gave me cover by taking the responsibility of picking up the top-order wickets while leaving the tailenders for me,” Shoaib Akhtar said. “He even let me bowl from my preferred bowling even though he had a lot more wickets that I did.”
Amir Sohail “the biggest contribution by Wasim Akram for Pakistan cricket was making sure Pakistan does not win a World Cup after 92.” pic.twitter.com/70WWtCCdkI
— Sports n Women (@Sports_n_Stars) May 5, 2020
However, Akhtar’s comments stirred a controversy on social media. As people misunderstood his comments as saying that Wasim Akram was involved in match-fixing. He later released a video asking people to stop spreading fake news and misquoting him.
Read more: Generous offer: Shoaib Akhtar says can coach bowlers even from India
In his latest video, he clarified his statements. He said he never called Wasim Akram a match-fixer. Instead, he talked about his passion for cricket and loyalty to his country. Shoaib Akhtar said Wasim Akram has made Pakistan won several matches.