Speaking to PakPassion.net, Wasim stated that in his opinion coaching was the most difficult facet of cricket and the frustration of not being able to change the course of a game is at times exasperating.

 by Saj Sadiq (10 September 2011)

Described by most as the best left arm fast bowler ever and someone who could change the course of the game with either bat or ball in the space of a few deliveries, Wasim Akram will always be remembered as an all time great and cherished by cricket fans the world over.

Wasim was a cricketer who entertained, who packed stadia wherever he played. He was a cricketer who fans admired, a cricketer whose skills were appreciated by fellow professionals and a cricketer who could singlehandedly upset the opposition game plan. 

Wasim took 916 international wickets at just over 23 apiece with his unique brand of left arm pace bowling. Swing, seam, over the wicket, round the wicket, nothing was a problem for him. Whatever the surface, wherever the match was being played, his opponents knew that Wasim was a cricketer not to be taken lightly.

His love for cricket when he played was clearly evident as he celebrated each and every wicket that he took with such vigour and passion. Who will ever forget those celebrations each time he took a wicket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 1992 World Cup final against England. I would guess that for most Pakistani fans old enough to remember the 1992 World Cup final or indeed those that have since seen recordings of that match, the high fives and huge smiles of Wasim Akram, Moin Khan and others when they took English wickets, will be etched in their minds forever.

Wasim’s love for cricket has seen him not only have a career that spanned 19 years, but has seen him coach and also commentate on various series around the world.

Speaking to PakPassion.net, Wasim stated that in his opinion coaching was the most difficult facet of cricket and the frustration of not being able to change the course of a game is at times exasperating. 

“Playing cricket, I knew that. I knew how to play cricket so that was ok, not a problem. Commentating to start off was tough, it was very difficult. Now I’m really enjoying it as I have got used to it. Coaching is definitely the most difficult facet of cricket, because it’s frustrating as you cannot do anything yourself. Nothing is in your control once the boys have taken the field. When I played cricket I could change the game, but as a coach I don’t have that opportunity, only the players can change the course of a match.”

Akram’s long career came to an end before the advent of Twenty over cricket. He featured in 104 test matches and 356 one day internationals. Whilst injuries did hamper his career from time to time, he played in an era where rarely did bowlers opt out of one format of cricket, just to extend their careers in another format. 

Akram though feels that some modern day cricketers are taking the easy option of playing just shorter formats and not giving test cricket the respect it deserves. 

“It varies from cricketer to cricketer, but if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, for that you have to be known for playing test cricket. For some it's easier to retire from test cricket, to play just Twenty20 cricket, earn a lot of money and then disappear. Someone like Dale Steyn will be remembered as a great as he's an exceptional bowler who runs in hard for every ball he bowls whatever the format and that's the difference in his attitude compared to some others.”

Akram when quizzed about the levels of commitment from some modern day international cricketers and their priorities added that the influx of Twenty20 cricket had perhaps affected the ambitions of some.

“I was told that I was a very natural cricketer but I worked like a dog. I had very good mentors, like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Mudassar Nazar ; these guys taught me how to prolong my career, how to work hard.

Talent can stay with you for three or four years, but hard work can prolong your talent for many more years and that's exactly what I did. I worked hard. There is nothing easy in any profession, in any sport, unless you work like a dog. Nowadays you can be a good Twenty20 player and make a career out of it, but my ambition was always to be the best player in the world in all formats and that should be the aim for every youngster.”