Wasim Akram asked Pakistan's cricket authorities a pertinent question and offered a solution. Considering the Pakistan captaincy issue, the 44-year-old former skipper said: “Pakistan team mein captain kahan milthe hai (Where do you get captain material in the Pakistan team). Ek nahi miltha hai tho kahan se doosra milega (if you can't get one, where can you get the second one). Usko (Afridi) rakho ab (keep Afridi for the time being)''.
Pakistan's Man-of-the-Match in the 1992 World Cup final in Melbourne, Akram, however praised the selectors. “The 15 selected for the World Cup is good,” he said.
The left-arm pace bowler took 18 wickets in the 1992 Benson & Hedges World Cup, scored 33 not out in the final against England and took the wickets of Ian Botham, Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis. Overall he took 502 wickets at 23.53 in 356 One-Day Internationals.
After appreciating the drawings by street children at a function dedicated to the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, Akram wondered what had caused the delay in announcing the Pakistan captain.
Dangerous team
“I don't know the reasons. Pakistan can be a dangerous team. No one can write off Pakistan's chances altogether. They have the capability to do well, but first and foremost the captain has to be named. Even Afridi must be under pressure.
“The sooner the captain is named, the better for the team. I would go for Afridi. Misbah-ul-Haq is performing well, but he's not a magician. Afridi has been the captain for a reasonable period of time. The World Cup is too close to change a captain.
“They have come back well in New Zealand, winning two matches after two defeats. It shows that Afridi has the skill. Last year he was the highest wicket-taker and also one of the top run-getters for Pakistan. In my opinion Afridi should be named Pakistan's captain. I don't know what the PCB thinks about it.''
Akram agreed with former captain Imran Khan that Mohd. Asif and Mohd. Amir would be missed. “They are talented, top class bowlers and more importantly wicket-taking bowlers. Their absence will definitely make a difference.
“But Pakistan has made it a habit of playing normal cricket under pressure, but relaxing when not under pressure. Umar Gul is bowling well, Shoaib Akhtar is back and Wahab Riaz is also doing well. Pakistan's back-up is excellent.''
Fitness factor
He said fitness would count a lot for India. “India is a favourite. But pressure while playing at home is slightly different. I have the experience of playing two World Cups. So I know what pressure can be. Sachin (Tendulkar) will tell you what pressure is all about when playing at home.
“Apart from India, Australia is also looking good. They have won five games against England. One cannot rule out Sri Lanka and South Africa. From the quarterfinals it can be anybody's World Cup.''
Akram offered his blessings to the bowlers who are likely to a have a tough time on Indian pitches. “It's going to be difficult, especially in the last Power Play overs. The batsmen have found out ways like employing the short sweep or making room to hit the ball.
On some Indian players and M.S. Dhoni's wish to win the World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar, Akram said: “The Indian team has a goal. They hope they win the cup for the nation, fans and the team. But Sachin is a special person. He's done a lot for India and if the team wants to motivate him this way (by wanting to win the World Cup for him) then why not?
