Wasim Akram Talking about Imran Khan - (Source: @SkyCricket/X.Com)
Former Pakistan seamer turned analyst Wasim Akram sat down for a chat show, where he opened up on his playing days and opined on his views on former captain Imran Khan. The 59-year-old, who will go down in history as one of the best bowlers, heaped massive praise on his former captain.
Appearing on the Stick To Cricket podcast, Akram remarked that Imran Khan was the best captain he played under. Further, the Pakistan legend added that Imran wasn't the most talented cricketer, but had a determination to be the best and also used to shout at players over a lazy attitude.
"I think whatever I did as a cricketer, off the field, on the field, credit goes to him. He used to give us a lot of confidence. He led from the front. He had a belief in his own ability. He was a hardworking cricketer. I mean, he was the best captain I played under. He used to give confidence to every one of us," remarked Akram.
"People used to say I'm very naturally talented. Skipper wasn't talented. He worked hard. Remember, he changed his bowling action. From 76, exactly. Changing even a little bit of action can take months; it might not happen. But he did change his action. He was so determined," he added.
Akram added that Imran Khan used to be irked by players if they were caught sleeping on the field and didn't cut any slack towards them.
"At times, he used to shout at us because if you were lazy, fair enough. He was tough, but he was tough on the field. You give your 100%. If you don’t do well, he was okay with it," he concluded.
Wasim Akram: A Force To Reckon With Under Imran Khan
Notalby, Akram made his Pakistan debut in 1984, under the leadership of Imran Khan. The 72-year-old groomed Akram and took him under his wings, following which the former left-arm seamer turned out to be one of the best in the world and the duo helped Pakistan lift their maiden and only ODI World Cup in 1992.
