Wasim Akram said it makes no sense for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to set up a special committee to look into its Asia Cup failure just before the World Twenty20, but would be interested in a role with his country. Pakistan were unable to reach the final in Bangladesh after suffering defeats to arch-rival India and the host, with shambolic batting at the top of the order proving to be costly.
PCB chairman warned "accountability is inevitable" in the aftermath of its early exit from the tournament and said there will be changes on and off the field. But Pakistan legend Akram believes the PCB's reaction could be counterproductive just over a week before the team's World T20 opener against a qualifier in Kolkata.
He said: "I don't understand the purpose of announcing a probe committee when the national team is due to leave for India for the World T20. I don't agree with this thinking. This decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board to evaluate the team's performance in the Asia Cup at this time, it does not make sense as the World T20 is just a few days away."
Afridi best man to lead
Akram, who is now a full-time media commentator and coach, said the board should not make the mistake of changing the captain before the World T20. The former allrounder also defended Shahid Afridi amid calls for a new captain to be appointed. "Shahid Afridi has been playing for 20 years. We all know him well and his performances. He is the best man to lead the team even now. He just needs to be given full backing and support by everyone.
"The team has been struggling in T20 cricket for a while now but we need to show more understanding and respect for the players who are already under a lot of pressure."
Akram, who is the Islamabad United Team Director in the Pakistan Super League, also stated that he would be prepared to take a position following a shake-up in the Pakistan set-up. He said: "I am ready to serve Pakistan cricket but I need to be given a proper timetable. I can't be asked at the 11th hour to come in. I work according to a schedule. I am ready to work in any capacity but first someone needs to offer me a proper role."
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