Wasim wants to hold fast bowling camps in rural areas

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.Net; Pakistani legend Wasim Akram was full of praise for Mohammad Aamer the 17 year old young left arm fast bowler. He said "Aamer is nippy and is only 17, he's only going to get quicker. And for me Aamer could be the the bowler who could really save Pakistan's bowling with Umar Gul at the other end."

He wasn't so positive about Sohail Tanvir whom he thought had to work a lot harder to fully exploit his talent. Wasim said "Sohail has to improve, he's not looking good at all. He's not looking fit but the talent is very much there. He can swing the ball, big time. If he wants to be an all-rounder then he has to improve his batting, the talent is there but he needs to know how much hard work will go into that."

Wasim went on to say that he didn't regret missing out on T20 cricket because he hadnt enjoyed the 3 games he played for Hampshire in 2003 but despite that Wasim thought T20 was a positive move for cricket as a whole as long as it didnt sideline tests. Wasim thought that younger cricketers were more interested in the big money and glamour associated with T20 than in the respect they could get by excelling as test players.

Wasim is positive about Pakistan's chances in the semi-final today against the undefeated South Africans because he feels Pakistan have the ability to outplay South Africa for 3 hours and in T20 that's all that's needed to win the game. He points out that Pakistan bring their A game to do or die situations and that Razzaq's return could make all the difference. Wasim stated "The introduction of Razzaq has increased their confidence and strengthened the batting as well as the bowling. Razzaq is a plus for the Pakistan team, I hope they're peaking at the right time."

When the discussion turned to Wasim's interest in becoming the bowling coach for the national side, Wasim said that he couldnt offer that kind of commitment. He said "I cant be a coach on a regular basis but I can help Pakistan cricket, I dont need to get paid by them. My services are there, if they want me I'm there but first of all they have to want me."

With that statement he's put the ball in the PCB's court, are they ready to approach him and make use of the sort of talent spotting abilities that have already uncovered Aamer, Tanvir and Talha in previous fast bowling camps? Wasim spoke about attending fast bowling camps in the past when he said "The previous board chairman (Nasim Ashraf) invited me twice for a one week camp. In the first camp I pinpointed Aamer and Sohail and in the second camp I pinpointed a fast bowler called Mohammad Talha. He's played a test match and is quite nippy as well."

In closing Wasim urged Pakistan fans to keep supporting the team because with the support of the fans, Pakistan can beat any team in the world.