Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram now strongly believes that Mohammed Siraj is not restricted only to being the support bowler for Jasprit Bumrah, as he has developed himself as the first choice of the team. The amount of hard work Siraj showed during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar trophy blew away many cricket experts' minds. 

Nowadays, when people talk about workload management issues, the Hyderabad-born fast bowler played back-to-back five Test matches without taking any break. In the series against England, the seamer delivered more than 185 overs, without any kind of rust, and emerged as the leading wicket taker of the series with 23 scalps. India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been struggling with workload, dropped significant pace during the 5-match Test series, while Siraj constantly bowled around 140 kmph.

Akram heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj for his relentless performance and effective bowling, for which India managed to level the series by winning the match at The Oval. The former Pakistan international said that Siraj is now leading India's bowling attack with his remarkable strength and stamina. 

Read More: 'Improved by Miles...'- former India cricketer explains the rise of Mohammed Siraj

'Mark of a fighter'

"I rarely watch cricket when I'm not working, but I was glued to the last day. Mohammad Siraj was full of hunger & passion; it was an incredible effort. To bowl nearly 186 overs across 5 tests & still be that fiery on the final day shows remarkable stamina & mental strength. He's leading the Indian bowling attack. That's the mark of a fighter," Wasim Akram opined. 

The star fast bowler registered figures of 5/104 as England were bowled out for 367 runs while chasing a target of 374. During the closing moments of The Oval Test, on Day 5, eliminating any signs of tiredness, the right-handed pacer delivered over 140 cases. After delivering 30 overs, it is never an easy task for a pacer to produce a quick, accurate yorker. Siraj bowled out England's last hope, Gus Atkinson, with a perfect yorker.

India's pace-bowling superstar Jasprit Bumrah has conquered another prestigious milestone in his cricketing career. In the ongoing Headingly Test against England, Bumrah picked up three wickets, accounting for the dismissals of Crawley, Duckett, and Root to become the highest-wicket taker in SENA countries. The 31-year-old registered 148 wickets in SENA countries, surpassing the legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram. 

See also: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah befool Zak Crawley and takes first wicket for India against England

Asian bowlers to take the most wickets in SENA countries

Surprisingly, four Indian bowlers find themselves in this elite list of wicket takers. Wasim Akram is the sole Pakistani bowler to feature in this list. Besides, there is no mention of any bowlers from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The figures indicate the legacy that has been left behind by the Indian bowlers and how much of a threat they can pose to the opposition despite being far away from home.

Speaking of the current state of the Headingly Test, India were dismantled cheaply on day two despite a rollicking start on the previous day. The visitors lost seven wickets for only 41 runs and were bundled out prematurely for 471. In response, the Indian bowlers, apart from Bumrah, bowled erratically and lacked penetration. Despite having a little bit of weather around, the Indian pace battery failed to cash in, allowing English batters to milk runs freely. 

Bumrah was the only standout bowler for India, accounting for all three English dismissals. The pacer stood tall as he always does amid dire circumstances, and single-handedly tried to take the attack to the English batters. It took him just six balls to dismiss Crawley early doors, which equaled his wickets tally with Akram. Moving on, he also broke a vital 122-run stand between Duckett and Pope by rattling the former's stumps, getting him past Akram's tally. And in the end, he concluded the day on a positive note for India by dismissing Root just at the stroke of stumps.

It's been Wednesday and the third day in the crossing of the mega clash which happened on Sunday in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India beat Pakistan by six wickets where Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first with the quota of 50 overs they scored 241 runs being all out. India comfortably chased the target of 241 and Virat Kohli came with a bang scoring his 51 century and guiding India to victory. 

After the match, there was been lashing to the Pakistan team from their people deteriorating the lots of mistakes which they made, not even the public even their ex-cricketers too couldn't resist this defeat Sohaib Akhtar, Rashid Latif, and Ramiz Raza showed their disappointment. Now the great Wasim Akram too could not hold his frustration on what he saw on Sunday. 

Read More: Shoaib Akhtar slams PCB Management For Poor Team Handling

Itne Kele Bandar Bhi Nahi Kathe

Wasim Akram the ace pacer of Pakistan also couldn't hold his anger, in a recent interview on a TV show he said I was shocked by what I had seen during my live commentary. It was the second or third drinks break of innings when a plate full of bananas arrived for players. While presented there I was in a bitter shock they were eating so much I thought ( Itne Kele Bandar Bhi Nahi Kathe) even monkeys don't eat that much. 

You are representing your country on a global stage and you don't have the proper dietary plan ya its ok eating bananas gives you essential nutrients but eating that much is utter nonsense. You are not in any eating competition. If we have done this thing in our playing time our captain Imran Khan would have screwed us. He was that strict type of captain who had his set of rules if we didn't follow that it meant we were gone. 

Read More: Virat Kohli Would Have Been Given Out For Obstructing The Field An Opportunity Missed By Pakistan

Wasim To Go On More

 It has been disappointing when lots of people have expectations of you and you don't deliver that's a disheartening thing. Pakistan had an outside chance to remain in the Champions Trophy if Bangladesh had beaten New Zealand on Monday but unfortunately, it couldn't happen and Pakistan became the first host nation to be out of the tournament from its first round. 

 Even after the team selection when the list was shared, Wasim replied that he had a word with a chief selector to recheck the squad but he denied it and stated this was the best team for the Champions Trophy and now they are paying the price for it. You have to assess the situation where you are playing but now it's too late. 

Former Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Rashid Lati were disappointed because Pakistan was knocked out in the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The defending champions started with a 60-run loss against New Zealand in Karachi, then lost against India by six wickets in Dubai. Their chances are ended because Bangladesh didn't beat New Zealand on Monday, making Pakistan's last group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

Former Pakistani crickets are deeply disappointed with Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan was hosting a major ICC Champions Trophy tournament for the first time in 29 years. The team's campaign began with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. Their hopes were dashed when Bangladesh failed to beat New Zealand, Pakistan's final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi is a useless match for Pakistan.

#PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy

'They are not learning nor improving'@wasimakramlive blasts Pakistan cricketers after Champions Trophy exit https://t.co/eR3XscN5b8

— TOI Sports (@toisports) February 25, 2025

Former captain Wasim Akram criticized the team's lack of team's form: "We've supported these players for years, but they're not learning or improving. It's time for a major overhaul. We need to enhance our domestic cricket system to produce quality cricketers, not just average ones." 

ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, (Group B) AUS vs SA: Match abandoned; What does it mean for each team

Former captain Rashid Latif  said that : "I'm very disappointed with the state of Pakistan cricket. We must follow merit and bring professionals into the game's administration, not politically appointed individuals. Frequent changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee, and captains have prevented us from establishing a proper setup and team." 

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, father of the legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, has once again hit the trending page but for a slightly different reason. Recently, he slammed former Pakistan cricket stars Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar for criticising the Pakistan team.

India vs Pakistan cricket matches have the same old craze, but the recent on-field performances have shown clear differences between both teams. India are dominating the world cricket with on-field performances, while the Pakistan cricket team lacks seriousness on the field. The differences between teams are clearly visible as India have recently dominated Pakistan in every competition. While they don't play bilateral series due to political issues, they only face each other in the ICC or ACC tournaments, and since 2022, India have always dominated. 

See Also: They Were Eating Plate Full Of Bananas In Drinks Break Which Shocked Me Says Wasim Akram

I challenge you—bring Pakistan a World Cup. If you can’t, step away: Yograj Singh on Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar

In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India thrashed the hosts and defending champions Pakistan by six wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Pakistan players completely struggled against the Indian team, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar both heavily criticised Pakistan players for their poor performances. Both the former Pakistan stars seemed frustrated with the lack of seriousness for the game. 

However, Yograj Singh slammed Akram and Akhtar for their comments on Pakistan players. Yograj believes that it is better to work for them and bring a world cup for the country. 

Yograj was quoted saying to SportsNext, “Wasim Akram, a player of such stature, making such degrading remarks? And people around him laughing? They should be ashamed. Shoaib Akhtar, you are comparing Pakistan’s players with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Instead of sitting in a studio, go back to your country and train young cricketers. I challenge you—bring Pakistan a World Cup. If you can’t, step away.”

If I go there, I will make the team better within a year: Yograj Singh

Yograj further added that he would make a better team within a year with passionate training and commitment. 

Former Indian cricketer commented, "If I go there, I will make the team better within a year. You will all remember me for it. Training is about passion, about dedicating your time to the players. I give 12 hours a day to training. That’s the commitment needed.”

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram, who was an important name for Pakistan's World Cup 1992 trophy success, previously worked for Pakistan fast bowling coaching. He also worked for several Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams. Just like him, another former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis, also worked with the Pakistan cricket team.

Not long ago, Pakistan cricket had the coaches like Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. However, the situation in the Pakistan cricket team is only getting worse with time, despite several big changes inside the team. 

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and legendary all-rounder Wasim Akram strongly criticized Pakistan's team management after their loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The defeat at the Dubai International Stadium has almost ended Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.

A frustrated Akhtar didn't hold back, openly expressing his disappointment. "If I wasn’t getting paid, I wouldn’t even talk about Pakistan cricket. Honestly, I have nothing to do with them anymore. I come here because I’m asked to, not because I want to criticize them. Why should I waste my time?" he said in a video that quickly went viral on social media.

Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan’s selection choices, criticizing their lack of clear direction, skillset, and strategic planning in comparison to India.#TOKSports #ShoaibAkhtar #PAKvIND #ICCChampionsTrophy #tokct25 pic.twitter.com/Xa3ODOKgFh

— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) February 24, 2025

Akhtar slammed Pakistan's management and Pakistani team, calling them "brainless and clueless" for picking only five bowlers when most teams use six bowlers on their team. "You go with two all-rounders, but this is just poor management. I'm disappointed," he said.  

Shoaib Akhtar rips into Babar Azam & Pakistan after dismal show against India! 🤯🇵🇰#PAKvIND #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/wYWYrr5rCh

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 24, 2025

He also blamed the team's struggles on weak Captaincy and a lack of player form in the team. Wasim Akram backed Akhtar and called for big changes to rebuild Pakistan’s white-ball team. "We've been playing old-fashioned cricket for years, and it needs to change. Bring in fearless young players. If you need to make five or six changes, do it. Even if we lose for six months, that's fine, but start preparing for the World T20 2026 now," Akram said on the show Dressing Room after the defeat against India.

ALSO READ: Record-Breaking Viewership

#INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy | #Pakistan are all but out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after their limp defeat to India.

Legendary fast bowler @shoaib100mph lashed out at the team, highlighting the lack of winning culture.

Akhtar slammed the Pakistan team management for playing… pic.twitter.com/zoXoQycYIR

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 24, 2025

He was also worried about Pakistan’s bowling and shared some shocking stats. "Enough is enough. These bowlers have been treated like stars, but in the last five ODIs, they’ve taken just 24 wickets, giving away 60 runs per wicket. Our bowling average is even worse than Oman and the USA. Out of the 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling is the second worst." After Pakistan’s poor performance, Akhtar had great things to say about Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls to lead India to win. "Hats off to him, he's a superstar and a modern-day great. I really hope he reaches 100 international centuries," Akhtar said. 

India's new batting star Abhishek Sharma has been terrorizing the cricketing fraternity with his bold strokeplay and brave shot-making. The left-hander's bold strategy as an opening batsman has been a revelation, and with two T20I centuries already in his kitty, he has become one of India's most promising young stars. A viral video in Dubai has been sweeping across social media, capturing the moment Wasim Akram meets Abhishek Sharma and showering praise on him for his sparkling ton against England.

Wasim Akram appreciating Abhishek Sharma in Dubai. ❤️pic.twitter.com/zMi9KnXEZX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Pakistani Fan Switches to Indian Jersey Mid-Match After Humiliating Performance

Men in Blue's emerging star was present for the thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai, where he met two Pakistani greats across the border – Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.

Wasim Akram with Abhishek Sharma
The retired fast-bowling legends didn't mince words in their appreciation of the young man, giving him credit for his century against England at Wankhede as phenomenal.

When Wasim Akram opens his mouth, the cricketing fraternity listens. And when the Sultan of Swing goes out of his way to personally acknowledge a young cricketer, it says something about the ability and potential the player has.

Ex-Pakistan cricket captain and all-time great fast bowler Wasim Akram has recently lashed out at the media attention given to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. While participating in a discussion, when an anchor made a mention of Kohli, Akram snapped back and said,"If you want to talk about Kohli, watch Star Sports. They make it seem like there are no other players."

The Issue of Media Bias
Akram's comment brings forth a common perception among cricket lovers and pundits of biased reporting on sports channels. Most feel that Indian channels in particular, but also other channels, provide disproportionate coverage to Kohli at the expense of other skilled players. Kohli may be a great batsman who has had a phenomenal career, but cricket is a team game, and every player should receive his due.

Anchor: Let's talk about Kohli.

Wasim Akram: If you want to talk about Kohli, watch Star Sports. They make it seem like there are no other players.

This is very embarrassing bc 😭🤣pic.twitter.com/UMKb6LI9xT

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) February 21, 2025

 
ALSO READ:How to Buy Tickets for IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025 Match

Why Does This Happen?
The bias is mostly commercial. Kohli is a global cricket legend with an enormous fan following. His matches have millions of spectators, increasing TV ratings and sponsorship. The broadcasters aim at him because he creates publicity, leading to higher profits. But this approach sometimes neglects other skilled cricketers who also perform exceptionally well.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram recently shared some interesting insights into the unusual schedule followed by West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram, who previously served as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that Narine and Russell have a unique routine of staying awake all night and sleeping during the day while in India for the IPL.

This peculiar schedule is particularly notable given the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, with India being 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead.

“These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night…”

Akram told, “When I was a part of KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?’ I tried for a West Indies accent, but it did not come out that way. It sounded like a British or Aussie accent (laughs).”

“So, yeah, I asked him why he looked tired. He said I haven’t slept. I said what do you mean I haven’t slept. He said I am on West Indies time. I asked him to explain. Sunil said he stays up at night and sleeps in the day. Even Andre Russell, I think he does the same thing. These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night,” he added.

Despite their unconventional routine, Narine and Russell have been key players for the KKR franchise. Narine, especially, has been instrumental under the leadership of his former teammate Gautam Gambhir.

Both create impact in the team

In the first seven matches of the IPL season, Narine has showcased his versatility by not only excelling with the ball but also by opening the batting for KKR. He has scored an impressive 286 runs at an average of 40.86 and a strike rate of 176.54, while also picking up 9 wickets with an economy rate of 7.11.

See Also: What RCB’s IPL 2024 playoff chances look like?

Meanwhile, Russell has also made significant contributions with both bat and ball for KKR. In seven games, he has scored 155 runs at an average of 51.67 and a strike rate of 184.52, in addition to claiming 9 wickets. Narine and Russell’s unorthodox approach to their daily schedule hasn’t hindered their performance on the field, as they continue to play pivotal roles for KKR in the IPL.

Dale Steyn, a former South African fast bowler, commented that “Captains could be top class bowlers”, while giving an example of Keshav Maharaj’s leadership for Durban Super Giants in the SA20 2024 league. In group stage matches Maharaj won seven out of ten matches, thus taking them to the final where they lost to SunRisers Eastern Cape by 89 runs. Throughout the tournament, he showed exceptional skills in his leadership role.

In his talk with TOI, Steyn said “South Africa has got a gem like Keshav Maharaj. At present he is captaining Durban Supergiants and he is doing a fantastic job.” His captaincy exploits were highlighted by Steyn.

Bowlers as Captains: Maharaj’s Leadership

“Maharaj has also captained South Africa in white-ball cricket 12 times and boasts an excellent record, especially in T20Is,” said Steyn. During T20Is however Proteas have never been defeated since this young man became their leader at the age of 34 years; they have won four out of five games played with one No Result. Nevertheless, his ODI record does not speak as well with two victories from seven games as skipper.

Steyn, however, alluded to the intellectual aspect of captaincy which requires both strategizing and understanding the opponents. In his discussion, he also mentioned Kapil Dev, Wasim Akram, Imran Khan and Anil Kumble amongst many other famous names who were former bowlers or bowling all rounders that have captained their respective sides with much success over the years.

Steyn’s Perspective: The Role of Bowlers in Leadership

“Bowlers are thinking cricketers,” Steyn observed. “They can read players better than anyone else.” The next one is a bit harder. You must be able to manage your workload as well as when you should not bowl or bowl in addition to handling injuries.

Furthermore, Steyn praised Pat Cummins for being an exemplary leader and noted that he had stated “Pat Cummins has found this really good.” He added: “I think what Pat’s done now is pretty extraordinary actually.” During his tenure as captain, Cummins won some iconic matches for Australia including clinching the WTC title and ODI world cup which showed his versatility as a player across multiple formats.

Finally, fast bowlers tend to attract more injuries compared batters who might captain their teams. This notwithstanding, Cummins’ stewardship performance exhibits how bowlers can prosper in senior positions at cricket’s highest level.