Wasim Akram’s Insight on Pakistan’s Upcoming Tour of Australia and Beyond

Former Pakistan cricket team captain, Wasim Akram, has shared his insights on the upcoming Australia series, emphasizing the challenges Pakistan will face on Australian soil. Akram acknowledged that playing in Australia presents unique conditions that make victories hard to come by. He noted that even winning a single ODI match would be an impressive feat for the Pakistan squad, though he expects the T20 series to be a closer contest.

In a virtual press conference from Melbourne, Akram also addressed upcoming events, notably the Champions Trophy, indicating that positive signals are emerging from India regarding the tournament. Akram emphasized the importance of friendly interactions between Pakistan and India’s cricket boards, mentioning that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended several proposals to the Indian board to foster bilateral ties. He expressed hope that Indian players would consider visiting Pakistan, adding that players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav have a huge fan following across Pakistan. He believes increased exchanges could deepen camaraderie, as both nations share a love for the sport. Akram further shared his personal sentiments, saying he misses India, particularly the food and people, and wishes to return someday.

Turning to Pakistan’s own team, Akram discussed the recent controversy surrounding Fakhar Zaman’s social media activity. He defended Fakhar, calling him an impactful player, and suggested that the post was likely written by someone else, unaware of its implications. Akram advised players to exercise caution with social media, viewing the incident as a learning experience for Fakhar. He also supported the PCB’s response, underscoring that the board’s disciplinary stance was justified.

Akram took a moment to praise Mohsin Naqvi’s efforts for cricket in Pakistan, mentioning a recent job offer he received from the board. However, he declined, citing his preference for a less rigid schedule over a traditional 9-to-5 role. Responding to recent criticism about Pakistan’s pitch preparation, Akram advocated for using home advantage strategically. He argued that creating turning pitches may not always lead to wins, but is crucial for the growth of the team, particularly as players adapt to varied conditions. He celebrated Pakistan’s recent successes, highlighting that back-to-back Test victories after a losing streak showcase the potential of this strategy.

Looking toward the 2026 T20 World Cup, Akram encouraged young players, including Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, to focus fully on their game. He warned them about the distractions of social media and suggested they prioritize rest and discipline to achieve their full potential. He also advised Babar Azam to concentrate on scoring runs and avoid letting captaincy pressures overshadow his performance.

As part of preparations for the Australia series, the Pakistan T20 squad is set to undergo an intensive training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from November 2 to 6. This camp, led by coach Saeed Bin Nasir, will focus on honing the players’ skills and adapting them to the demands of Australian pitches. Six key players, including Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Omair Bin Yousaf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Moqim, and Usman Khan, will participate, assembling on November 1. After the camp, they will return to their respective cities before departing for Australia on November 10.

With a squad brimming with potential, led by Mohammad Rizwan, and star players like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s T20 team looks forward to a competitive series. Fans eagerly await their performance, hoping for a successful tour and memorable matches that highlight Pakistan’s resilience and skill on the global stage.