Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram sharply responded to a fan live on television, causing laughter among other panelists. Akram had previously criticized the Pakistan cricket team for their early exit from the Champions Trophy. Following defeats to New Zealand and India in the group stage, Akram criticized the diet of Pakistani players. He mentioned seeing a plate of bananas for the players during a break and remarked, “Even monkeys don’t eat so many bananas.” Akram added that captain Imran Khan would have reacted more harshly to this.
However, a fan strongly criticized Akram for mocking the players’ diet, calling his analysis “stupid.”
“End this stupidity in the name of analysis. Talk about cricket, not bananas or movie quotes. This is embarrassing,” the fan said, expressing dissatisfaction with Akram’s remarks.
However, Akram had a sharp response for the fan. “Sir, I feel sorry for your children. You must be beating them with sticks,” Akram replied.
Even former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh criticized Akram for his “banana” remarks on air. “Their former star player said, ‘Who will eat so many bananas?’ (referring to Wasim Akram). Action should be taken. This is unacceptable. If I were the prime minister, I would have said, ‘Pack your bags and leave the country,'” Yograj stated in an interview with ANI.
Following Pakistan’s failure at the Champions Trophy, Akram stated that he is not interested in a permanent coaching position with the Pakistan team due to other commitments.
“But when have I ever said I am not willing to help the players and the board for free? Seeing how some of our former players, especially Waqar Younis, were treated when they worked with the team and the board, I don’t want such disrespect at my age,” Akram said.
Former opening batsman Mohsin Khan, who has served as interim head coach and chief selector, stated that the team’s performance will only improve when Pakistani coaches are given sufficient time and respect.
(With Agency Inputs)
