Chop and change policy hurting Pakistan cricket: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram recently attended an interactive event at a school

Kolkata, May 5 (IANS) Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram on Tuesday said the frequent dropping of players instead of disciplining or managing them was hurting Pakistan cricket.

The pacer, who along with former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar participated in an interactive event at a school here, said he was yet to be approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take up coaching of the Pakistan team.

"Whenever the team doesn't do well, we sack the players. How come we drop Umar Akmal, how can we drop Ahmed Shehzad? They are young guys and the PCB has invested in these boys for the last 10 years," said Akram.

The duo was dropped for Pakistan's tour to Bangladesh allegedly due to indiscipline during the World Cup.

"But why do they get dropped? Reason -- indiscipline. As a coach, my job is to discipline them, to manage them, and not to drop them. That's why Pakistan cricket is suffering," said Akram, adding that lack of money in the domestic circuit and frequent changes in the format were adding only to the existing woes.

Akram, who is the bowling coach of defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders, said he was yet to be approached by the PCB for coaching the national team.

"Coaching is a very stressful job and I am happy with Kolkata. As of taking up coaching of the Pakistani team, first of all they will have to make the offer. They haven't asked me yet," he said.

Akram also said Pakistani and England players being not part of the IPL were missing out on developing skills and getting exposure.

"Pakistan and England are surely missing out not financially but on the skill. The batsmen, the bowlers, they get to learn a lot, plus the exposure of playing in front of thousands of spectators."

"Playing against big crowd gives you confidence, which you certainly need. Hopefully Pakistan and England will definitely play in the IPL in the future," added Akram.