If I don't work as coach or commentator, then should I sell fruits? - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has lashed out at people who have questioned his patriotism on social media and television shows. Akram’s role as the bowling coach with the Indian Premier League franchise and defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders has come in for severe criticism from a certain section of his countrymen, more so after the stellar show of the franchise in the last 3 seasons where they won 2 IPL titles.

"At times when I read these rude and uncivilized comments it makes me very angry and I wish those writing such things were in front of me than I would deal with them in similar fashion," a tempestuous Akram said on Geo News Channel in reference to his critiques.

"People have to understand coaching or working on television is my bread and butter if I don't do this at this stage of my life should I sell fruits," he added.

The 48-year-old also said that he doesn’t see any difference between working with players from Pakistan or elsewhere as far as the game is concerned, and he is not in a position to beg Pakistan Cricket Board for some job.

He said: "Sorry where I stand I can't go and beg for something. I have told different PCB Chairmen that whenever I am in Karachi I am always available to work with the fast bowlers. Even if the Pakistan team bowlers are not available at that time I am willing to work with the junior players. But when I am not asked to do something obviously I have to seek my bread and butter somewhere. Before writing any comments people should think what they are writing because everyone has self respect."

Akram, though, hasn’t completely shunned his country. During Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as the PCB chairman last year, he held a 15-day bowling camp for the pacers in Karachi and, as he says, has expressed his interest to help the younger players whenever he travels to Pakistan. Currently, he resides in United Kingdom.

In Wisden’s only list of best players of all time, released in 2002, Akram was ranked as the best bowler of all time in One Day International cricket with a rating of 1223.5, beating the likes of Allan Donald, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Joel Garner, Glen McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan. During the 2003 World Cup, he became the first bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark in ODI cricket.