Thaindian News

Kolkata, Apr 5(ANI): Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram insists that Pakistan never respected its cricket stars, and reiterated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was wrong to slap indefinite bans on cricketers.

Akram’s comment comes after the PCB effectively banned former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan from playing international cricket for an indefinite period on March 10, following an inquiry into the crushing whitewash on the tour of Australia.

Yousuf and Younis had been accused by the PCB of “infighting”, and their “attitude” had been deemed as a “bad influence” on the team.

“I can imagine the dilemma two former Pakistan captains (Yousuf and Younus) are going through at this moment. It’s a pity the way Pakistan have treated their best players. Just like Yousuf, Pakistan have not respected many former stars. Whether it was me, Javedbhai (Miandad) or Waqar Younus, one fine day we were made to vanish from the face of the earth! There are numerous other instances too,” Akram wrote in an article for the Daily Times.

“I am not sure if this is the way to treat players who have served you with excellence for over two decades. At least, they deserve a testimonial game, a warm send-off and a moment that will stay forever in their hearts. I am sure Pakistan’s cricket fans will love to give their heroes one final standing ovation. Yousuf deserved one,” he added.

Akram further believes that Yousuf’s decision to retire from international cricket has “saddened” him, and it will hurt Pakistan Test cricket.

“Governance has never been PCB’s strong point for various reasons. You can’t replace a man with 24 Test centuries and 7000 plus runs,” Akram said. (ANI)