[VIDEO] Wasim Akram explains why he did not play the 1996 World Cup QF against India

[AAli98]

A very angry Wasim Akram speaking about the reason why he did not play in the QF v India in 1996.

As people may recall, a few rumours about this which he angrily denied in below video.

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[alone1213]

Wasim Akram has gotten very grumpy of late. He seems angry all the time. Maybe age is catching up to him.

 

[greatest]

Akram has to thank Imran Khan for this fitness levels. Imran not only had superb knowledge about fast bowling but also on how to be a top international athlete. Glad he imparted all his knowledge into Akram.

 

[greatest]

I remember vividly the aftermath after the quarter-final defeat. Akram's house in Lahore was stoned and there was a lot of propaganda thrown in the local Urdu papers. In those days Pakistan was a way superior team than India and we Pakistanis just couldn't accept the fact that we were defeated.

Well match-fixing did existed in the 90s but no way will someone fix or even betray his country in a crucial knock-out game and that too against India.

 

[TheSultan]

Superb stuff from AkraM and lol at the 3rd guy )

Tbh he didn’t have a hope competing with 2 international elite sportsmen. Krypton Factor had many rounds, the physical challenge was just one of them.

 

[TheSultan]

Check the twitter link above for Akram's say on the 1996 QF.

I’ve seen that - but what has that got to do with his race on the Krypton Factor which was many years earlier.

The wasim response to the QF question deserves a thread of its own.

 

[MenInG]

Seemed like he has been wanting to say this for a while - maybe a set-up by the host?

 

[Kroll]

Obviously Akram is going to come out and say he was injured etc. The problem is that during that period specifically, we know there was a lot of shady stuff going on.

 

[greatest]

Obviously Akram is going to come out and say he was injured etc. The problem is that during that period specifically, we know there was a lot of shady stuff going on.

Yeah, and he was lucky not to get a lifetime BAN like Salim Malik by Justice Qayyum. According to the report it was mentioned that he should never be allowed to captain the team again. Plus, if I'm right he should also never be considered for any cricket related position.

 

[Saj]

I think a lot of the rumours were started without any proper facts that he missed the game on purpose etc.

 

[Stewie]

there is sufficient evidence to suggest he is right about his injury. Although I am not going to deny that he and others were involved in some fixing on other occasions.

With that being said, I think a world cup can make or break a player for years, even after his playing days are over, especially a captain. I do not believe he would have sat that game out for any amount of money.

Thats just me. But I do remember him getting treatment during the game against NZ when he was batting. and the injury description in the news and from him at the time and all those years has been fairly consistent and sounds very honest to me.

 

[Local.Dada]

Jeez man it’s 1996, move on.

We made Chetan Sharma the chief selector.

It’s just a game.

 

[jnaveen1980]

there is sufficient evidence to suggest he is right about his injury. Although I am not going to deny that he and others were involved in some fixing on other occasions.

With that being said, I think a world cup can make or break a player for years, even after his playing days are over, especially a captain. I do not believe he would have sat that game out for any amount of money.

Thats just me. But I do remember him getting treatment during the game against NZ when he was batting. and the injury description in the news and from him at the time and all those years has been fairly consistent and sounds very honest to me.

Dirtiest decade. So many shady things went on. Tehelka tapes opened pandora's box where many big names surfaced. But not much proof. But Akram was not like that against India. He always brought out his A-game against India. I remember in the Chennai test when India was cruising toward victory he was suffering from severe pain. He injected himself with painkillers and bowled an intense spell that helped Pakistan pull off the impossible.

 

[Stewie]

Dirtiest decade. So many shady things went on. Tehelka tapes opened pandora's box where many big names surfaced. But not much proof. But Akram was not like that against India. He always brought out his A-game against India. I remember in the Chennai test when India was cruising toward victory he was suffering from severe pain. He injected himself with painkillers and bowled an intense spell that helped Pakistan pull off the impossible.

aGREED..

My take is he did spot fixing and match fixing of inconsequential games (such as the one in the 99 world cup against BD). Never compromised on big games and trophy matches or else we would not have won so many cups and trophies under him. won asian and ODI championship around 99 under him. so many tournaments in sharjah, etc

 

[Nasty Naz]

A shame fans & media have to bring up these or start up unfounded rumors. I just find it so weird our own fans & media diss our own players so much all the time. When they're fail, they're a parchi or not trying hard or fat or chacha. Every sports fan base across the world has a go at their teams but it's not as toxic as it is in Pakistan.

Players, especially fast bowlers basically destroy their bodies to do what they do for the countries and I can't imagine how heart broken players are when stuff like this happens.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I think a lot of the rumours were started without any proper facts that he missed the game on purpose etc.

Thank Rashid Latif for propagating it and Basit Ali has been lightning the fire about it in last few years.

 

[Justcrazy]

His absence was not the reason pakistan lost , the reason was poor team selection.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Can we have an exclusive thread for The Pavilion (the show the clip is from) on PP? [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

This show is by far the most watched and quality cricket show to come from Pakistan in decades.

 

[greatest]

Akram's memoir 'SULTAN' co-authored with the great Gideon Haigh will be released on November 10. I'm sure has a lot to say on this issue as well as other controversies/allegations.
I have already pre-ordered my copy.

 

[Stewie]

Can we have an exclusive thread for The Pavilion (the show the clip is from) on PP? [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

This show is by far the most watched and quality cricket show to come from Pakistan in decades.

Not just pakistan. It is definitely one of the best cricket shows in the world. Not just for in depth analysis but also the jokes and anecdotes these legends like to share. It has all round qualities no other cricket show ever had.

 

[Suleiman]

Makes sense, had no idea. Wonder if he talks about his reason to bat first in the 1999 final. If it’s already been asked in the show, please post that too. If not, hope he talks about that too.

 

[Suleiman]

I remember vividly the aftermath after the quarter-final defeat. Akram's house in Lahore was stoned and there was a lot of propaganda thrown in the local Urdu papers. In those days Pakistan was a way superior team than India and we Pakistanis just couldn't accept the fact that we were defeated.

Well match-fixing did existed in the 90s but no way will someone fix or even betray his country in a crucial knock-out game and that too against India.

He has every right to be as angry as he is in the video then.

 

[Stewie]

Makes sense, had no idea. Wonder if he talks about his reason to bat first in the 1999 final. If it’s already been asked in the show, please post that too. If not, hope he talks about that too.

Dude, that was a no brainer. we were not good chasers during that era for years and years and years. we always liked to bat first and we would successfully defend half decent totals. that was the strength of our team at the time.

 

[Sarwar89]

Wasim Akram has gotten very grumpy of late. He seems angry all the time. Maybe age is catching up to him.

It happens once you are in mid 50’s.
It was a simple question and for no reason his blood pressure shot up.

He could have simply answered i was injured i tried my best to be ready but it wasnt meant to be.

He gave whole lecture on it.

I remember Quarter final as it happened yesterday. We went with wrong combination. Only 4 specialist bowlers & why 39 year old Miandad played in that match is beyond my understanding. On a wicket which will become slow, our combination was bad.


Before toss imran told this 4 bowler strategy as defensive and flawed. So there were many shady decisions.

 

[greatest]

It happens once you are in mid 50’s.
It was a simple question and for no reason his blood pressure shot up.

He could have simply answered i was injured i tried my best to be ready but it wasnt meant to be.

He gave whole lecture on it.

I remember Quarter final as it happened yesterday. We went with wrong combination. Only 4 specialist bowlers & why 39 year old Miandad played in that match is beyond my understanding. On a wicket which will become slow, our combination was bad.


Before toss imran told this 4 bowler strategy as defensive and flawed. So there were many shady decisions.

That last two overs by Waqar really cost us the game. By the 47th over everyone thought India might just sneak past 250. Mind u Waqar had bowled quite well in the tournament and before his last 2 overs had respectable figures of 8 overs for 27 runs. Then came the unlikely assault by Jadeja who till now had quite an ordinary tournament. Having removed Azhar we thought Waqar will clean him up with his trademark reverse swinging Yorker. But not only Jadeja even Kumble and Srinath were hitting Waqar.

And we did start well with the openers untill Amir Sohail got a brain ****! The rest is history.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Wasim never shirked from a challenge - showed up in the biggest games. So it's stupid to suggest he didn't play because he was scared of India. He never was - and in those days, Pakistan were a superior team.

But fans have a case in the light of Qayyum report to question all of Wasim's actions. That's not something he will ever avoid, unfortunately.

Personally I can't wipe from my brain the memory of Pakistani batsmen getting out to BD bowlers without even a semblance of an effort in '99 World Cup.

 

[Sarwar89]

That last two overs by Waqar really cost us the game. By the 47th over everyone thought India might just sneak past 250. Mind u Waqar had bowled quite well in the tournament and before his last 2 overs had respectable figures of 8 overs for 27 runs. Then came the unlikely assault by Jadeja who till now had quite an ordinary tournament. Having removed Azhar we thought Waqar will clean him up with his trademark reverse swinging Yorker. But not only Jadeja even Kumble and Srinath were hitting Waqar.

And we did start well with the openers untill Amir Sohail got a brain ****! The rest is history.

India still would have scored 260 even if you take out 27 runs from contest. Our 1 over was deducted anyway by match referee, chasing 260 in 49 overs was still not going to happen .

Infact in mohali target was 260 we could not do it.

Rashid latif had chance to get us over the line he too had brain fade.

 

[MenInG]

It happens once you are in mid 50’s.
It was a simple question and for no reason his blood pressure shot up.

He could have simply answered i was injured i tried my best to be ready but it wasnt meant to be.

He gave whole lecture on it.

I remember Quarter final as it happened yesterday. We went with wrong combination. Only 4 specialist bowlers & why 39 year old Miandad played in that match is beyond my understanding. On a wicket which will become slow, our combination was bad.


Before toss imran told this 4 bowler strategy as defensive and flawed. So there were many shady decisions.

It was not a simple question.

This is someone's career being questioned.

 

[greatest]

India still would have scored 260 even if you take out 27 runs from contest. Our 1 over was deducted anyway by match referee, chasing 260 in 49 overs was still not going to happen .

Infact in mohali target was 260 we could not do it.

Rashid latif had chance to get us over the line he too had brain fade.

Well his last two overs went for 40 runs and his first 8 for 27. The way he used to bowl in those days and with the cream of Indian batting Sachin, Azhar, Kambli, Mangrekar back in the pavilion, we thought the max he will go if he bowled badly might be for 15 runs. But Waqar getting hammered in those days with an old ball was almost rare.

Anyways, that Pakistani team always used to have an edge over India so with the start we got even 260-280 was a possibility. If u remember in the other QF Australia successfully cased 280 odd runs against New Zealand..I think that was in Madras.

 

[Sarwar89]

Well his last two overs went for 40 runs and his first 8 for 27. The way he used to bowl in those days and with the cream of Indian batting Sachin, Azhar, Kambli, Mangrekar back in the pavilion, we thought the max he will go if he bowled badly might be for 15 runs. But Waqar getting hammered in those days with an old ball was almost rare.

Anyways, that Pakistani team always used to have an edge over India so with the start we got even 260-280 was a possibility. If u remember in the other QF Australia successfully cased 280 odd runs against New Zealand..I think that was in Madras.

That was on 11 march
Infact harris and germon could have posted 320 for kiwiz at one stage.

Mark taylor was a brilliant mind. He sent shane warne up the order like mohammad nawaz. His mighty sixes helped to put rr in order and then aussies never choke to be honest. They won mohali semi final later on unexpectedly out of nowhere.

 

[greatest]

It was not a simple question.

This is someone's career being questioned.

...and it definitely hurts when your own countrymen accuse you. Life hasn't been easy for Akram. Before this he and Waqar were accused of ball-tampering then came the Grenada incident in the Caribbean. Plus match-fixing accusations.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Not just pakistan. It is definitely one of the best cricket shows in the world. Not just for in depth analysis but also the jokes and anecdotes these legends like to share. It has all round qualities no other cricket show ever had.

I am finding Shoaib Malik to be a bit of nuisance in this edition though. Interrupts everyone.

 

[Markhor]

Glad Wasim has cleared that up. The conspiracies were always far-fetched anyway, why would you fix such a high profile contest ?

It's the inconsequential matches or low-level tournaments that tend to raise more suspicion - the 3rd Test vs NZL in 1994, the 1994 Singer Cup, the Mandela Trophy finals when Salim Malik inexplicably won the toss and chose to bowl first when chasing was always difficult under lights in SAF.

ASports Pavilion is a good show by Pakistani standards - when you've had Doc Saab and Rashid Latif cracking their inside jokes on poor quality mics (although I've noticed they've got a new studio) for years then yeah it's awesome by comprison. However the panellists all have amnesia and sound very hypocritical when you consider their record.

Wasim and Waqar lecture about professionalism and discipline - yet these guys were named in the Qayyum Report (Wasim being very lucky to escape a lifetime ban), were arrested days before a Test series in WI for smoking weed in 1993, and created a toxic dressing room through groupings.

Misbah emphasises fitness yet selected unfit players as a coach.

Malik has also caused factionalism and quite often comes across as having an agenda.

 

[gazza619]

...and it definitely hurts when your own countrymen accuse you. Life hasn't been easy for Akram. Before this he and Waqar were accused of ball-tampering then came the Grenada incident in the Caribbean. Plus match-fixing accusations.

You know deep down in your heart that both Wasim & Waqar only have themselves to blame for the doubts people have about them. Specially Wasim. I closely watched most of Pakistan games in the 90s, whether it was ODI or Test, whether we were playing Australia or Zimbabwe. I was always glued to the TV.

You didnt needed to be an Einstein to figure out what was happening in some of the games where Wasim was captaining. Just because he was a legend and won Pakistan many games, it did not give him the license to play dirty occasionally.

 

[Major]

Can we have an exclusive thread for The Pavilion (the show the clip is from) on PP? [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

This show is by far the most watched and quality cricket show to come from Pakistan in decades.

Yes [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] , they have a lot of interesting discussions which I believe should had a dedicated thread to discuss them.

 

[greatest]

You know deep down in your heart that both Wasim & Waqar only have themselves to blame for the doubts people have about them. Specially Wasim. I closely watched most of Pakistan games in the 90s, whether it was ODI or Test, whether we were playing Australia or Zimbabwe. I was always glued to the TV.

You didnt needed to be an Einstein to figure out what was happening in some of the games where Wasim was captaining. Just because he was a legend and won Pakistan many games, it did not give him the license to play dirty occasionally.

You are right! I'm not defending Akram or think of him and Waqar as angels. Akram paid the price for his actions and now having aged and matured as a person it's definitely hurting him especially when it comes from his own countrymen.

 

[gazza619]

You are right! I'm not defending Akram or think of him and Waqar as angels. Akram paid the price for his actions and now having aged and matured as a person it's definitely hurting him especially when it comes from his own countrymen.

Agreed. I think for Wasim’s own benefit it would be better if he skips all such questions. Because he always responds with high levels of tenacity to such accusations as if he were some innocent angel.

People who were born in the 60s, 70s, or early 80s clearly want to forget that element of his past and only recall his glory moments.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I dont fall for the argument it was kept quiet so Indians dont get confident. It makes no sense.

Once a player esp a big name player is injured, you must tell your fans, otherwise with the rumours of match fixing it looks dodgy.

Players do get injured its normal in sports.

 

[TheSultan]

I get the feeling this is all about the promotion of his upcoming Book.

They must get millions of questions from fans. Fakhr-E-Alam could have easily ignored that particular one. It’s not even a hot topic these days. But I believe it was purposely addressed in some capacity followed by the statement that more will be clarified in his book.

There was definitely something fishy about that incident. And getting corroboration from Waqar is hardly credible. These two may have had their issues but they’ve probably been party to each other’s fixing over the years and will back each other up on that subject.

I’m not saying he’s lying about this particular incident, but all of the things that happened after especially in 1998/99 raises a lot of suspicion in general about everything.

 

[ElRaja]

Wasim and Waqar lecture about professionalism and discipline - yet these guys were named in the Qayyum Report (Wasim being very lucky to escape a lifetime ban), were arrested days before a Test series in WI for smoking weed in 1993, and created a toxic dressing room through groupings.

this is the crux of it, everyone knows wasim used to fix, the argument that games he fixed were inconsequential is just crazy, and that he was only fixing for money, u think if u fix once ur only fixing for the money? ur fixing cos ur blackmailed that ur secrets will be revealed.

sometimes i read this forum and think either u guys have lived really nice lives that u don't understand how gatewaying and blackmailing work or u choose to be willfully ignorant.

its been a long time, and I don't really dwell on that past anymore, and i don't really care abt trudging that stuff up, but lets not get it twisted, fixing was rampant in Pakistan in the 90s, it destroyed players' careers, it was a joke played on the fans, and wasim from what is said, was instrumental in it.

 

[Suleiman]

Dude, that was a no brainer. we were not good chasers during that era for years and years and years. we always liked to bat first and we would successfully defend half decent totals. that was the strength of our team at the time.

Disagree with you completely. The conditions were ripe to get wickets bowling first. Overcast conditions in England- you bowl first, esp when you have a GOAT fast bowler who swings it both ways- that’s a no brainer.

 

[SamNJ]

Makes sense, had no idea. Wonder if he talks about his reason to bat first in the 1999 final. If it’s already been asked in the show, please post that too. If not, hope he talks about that too.

I think people make too much of that decision. The pressure of chase is high in big tournaments and Pakiatan had lost a few games chasing and defeated Aus while defending in that tournament, so it made sense.
Also people claim it was a crazy seaming wicket to bat on. It wasn't.

Pakistan were something like 70-2 till 20th over. 1 wicket was taken by McGrath of Wasti which was on a good ball, expected from a bowler like McGrath.
Another was Saeed chopping on to the stumps which was unlucky.
Overall Pakistan didn't do badly till 20th over.
100-110 in next 20 overs and then 80-90 in last 10 with the power hitters and Pakistan were set to post a total of around 260-270 till that point.
It was after that 20th over when Warne and 2 dibbly dobly bowlers Moody and Reffeil that ran through the batting line up.

So poor shot selection by middle order batsmen was the reason Pakistan lost.

 

[Savak]

The Wasim Akram faking injury during the 1996 WC QF rumours got further fueled when a couple of Pakistani fans claimed to have seen Wasim partying in a night club the day before the QF.

 

[PakLFC]

Wasim was also a very expensive bowler as well as being a wicket taker. I predict that Sachin would have hammered him to all parts even if he had played. Bow Wasim shoukd look forward to his acting debut in "Money Back Guarantee".

 

[Xoib]

Wasim was also a very expensive bowler as well as being a wicket taker. I predict that Sachin would have hammered him to all parts even if he had played. Bow Wasim shoukd look forward to his acting debut in "Money Back Guarantee".

Wasim was as miser as they come its Waqar who could go for runs time to time.

 

[PakLFC]

Wasim was as miser as they come its Waqar who could go for runs time to time.

I have seen Wasim be whacked from pillar to post all day long. Let's not forget his million's of no balls too.

 

[Savak]

Wasim was also a very expensive bowler as well as being a wicket taker. I predict that Sachin would have hammered him to all parts even if he had played. Bow Wasim shoukd look forward to his acting debut in "Money Back Guarantee".

**. Shocking post. Wasim was a very economical bowler. Sachin always played him with respect and would look to see out his overs.

 

[Savak]

I think people make too much of that decision. The pressure of chase is high in big tournaments and Pakiatan had lost a few games chasing and defeated Aus while defending in that tournament, so it made sense.
Also people claim it was a crazy seaming wicket to bat on. It wasn't.

Pakistan were something like 70-2 till 20th over. 1 wicket was taken by McGrath of Wasti which was on a good ball, expected from a bowler like McGrath.
Another was Saeed chopping on to the stumps which was unlucky.
Overall Pakistan didn't do badly till 20th over.
100-110 in next 20 overs and then 80-90 in last 10 with the power hitters and Pakistan were set to post a total of around 260-270 till that point.
It was after that 20th over when Warne and 2 dibbly dobly bowlers Moody and Reffeil that ran through the batting line up.

So poor shot selection by middle order batsmen was the reason Pakistan lost.

The Pakistani team and players just could not handle the pressure of the big stage. The Aussies were in red hot form, they had battled many do and die situations in that tournament which gave them massive confidence in the final.

 

[PakLFC]

**. Shocking post. Wasim was a very economical bowler. Sachin always played him with respect and would look to see out his overs.

He was a wicket taker for sure who could swing the ball like no other bowler. At the same time he was also very expensive bowling so many wides and no balls.

 

[Varun]

If Wasim Akram had been a clean personality like Misbah, fans would be stating "what if" he was there in the quarter-final to win the match for Pakistan.

But because of his own shady actions, his legacy is rightly ruined and doubts have been cast about his career. He deserves it.

As a case in point, for all the flak Misbah has got for Mohali - not one fan has alleged match-fixing.

 

[umerz]

It was the middle order who was the biggest reason for our loss when openers had given us a great start however it all started from a brain fade of Aamir Sohail

 

[TheSultan]

Wasim was also a very expensive bowler as well as being a wicket taker. I predict that Sachin would have hammered him to all parts even if he had played. Bow Wasim shoukd look forward to his acting debut in "Money Back Guarantee".

You seem to have an unhealthy obsession with Pakistani bowlers being hammered by Sachin. Sachin did play against him and never “hammered him to all parts”. Is this some kind of fantasy you have?

 

[TheSultan]

If Wasim Akram had been a clean personality like Misbah, fans would be stating "what if" he was there in the quarter-final to win the match for Pakistan.

But because of his own shady actions, his legacy is rightly ruined and doubts have been cast about his career. He deserves it.

As a case in point, for all the flak Misbah has got for Mohali - not one fan has alleged match-fixing.

I think some people did raise eyebrows at his Mohali performance regarding fixing

 

[Technics 1210]

I dont fall for the argument it was kept quiet so Indians dont get confident. It makes no sense.

Once a player esp a big name player is injured, you must tell your fans, otherwise with the rumours of match fixing it looks dodgy.

Players do get injured its normal in sports.

Exactly. It would make more sense if Akram had stated he kept quiet hoping his injury would heal with a few days before the match, instead of he didn't want the Indians to get confident.

 

[Hitman]

Wasim was also a very expensive bowler as well as being a wicket taker. I predict that Sachin would have hammered him to all parts even if he had played. Bow Wasim shoukd look forward to his acting debut in "Money Back Guarantee".

Not Wasim, but Waqar. Anyways, someone like Jadeja did it anyways.

 

[Sarwar89]

There are some people suggesting that it was rare very rare for Waqar to be hit until 1996.

That is not true. Waqar had lost a yard by the time 96 world cup came into picture. He was mostly injured in 1995 and after coming back was never the same bowler. Jadeja or kumble hitting Waqar was not a surprise, what was a surprise was that India normally didnt play that brand of aggressive cricket.

One can check his test stats as well from 1989-1995

Then 1995-2000

There is vast difference.

 

[Hitman]

There are some people suggesting that it was rare very rare for Waqar to be hit until 1996.

That is not true. Waqar had lost a yard by the time 96 world cup came into picture. He was mostly injured in 1995 and after coming back was never the same bowler. Jadeja or kumble hitting Waqar was not a surprise, what was a surprise was that India normally didnt play that brand of aggressive cricket.

One can check his test stats as well from 1989-1995

Then 1995-2000

There is vast difference.

He bottled big time during the first time frame against Australia. He did well against West Indies during that period, I mean a declining West Indies. He made merry during that time frame against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and England during that period. There is a reason why Cricinfo didn't pick him in their World XI during his own era.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I dont fall for the argument it was kept quiet so Indians dont get confident. It makes no sense.

Once a player esp a big name player is injured, you must tell your fans, otherwise with the rumours of match fixing it looks dodgy.

Players do get injured its normal in sports.

You may not buy it but teams do that often. I remember Dhini doing the same with regards to Sehwag's injury before a Pakistan match

 

[greatest]

There are some people suggesting that it was rare very rare for Waqar to be hit until 1996.

That is not true. Waqar had lost a yard by the time 96 world cup came into picture. He was mostly injured in 1995 and after coming back was never the same bowler. Jadeja or kumble hitting Waqar was not a surprise, what was a surprise was that India normally didnt play that brand of aggressive cricket.

One can check his test stats as well from 1989-1995

Then 1995-2000

There is vast difference.

Yes, he did lost his pace after two stress fractures in 92 and 95 and was not the same devastating bowler. In 1995 prior to the WC he struggled badly in Australia and New Zealand, obviously it takes time to recover fully from a stress fracture and I think BCCP was desperate to have him fit before the World Cup.

I think he just chocked or panicked in those last two overs...maybe got too emotional playing against India (he last played against them in Sharjah 1991). Until this QF I had never seen or heard him get slaughtered with the old ball and especially against guys like Kumble and Srinath. Yes, he always used to go for plenty with the new ball whether it was an ODI or a Test match...but not will an old ball.

 

[greatest]

He bottled big time during the first time frame against Australia. He did well against West Indies during that period, I mean a declining West Indies. He made merry during that time frame against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and England during that period. There is a reason why Cricinfo didn't pick him in their World XI during his own era.

Well, West Indies in 1993 and 94 were not invincible like their predecessors but they were still regarded as the best team in the world. In 1992/93 they won a series in Australia plus the B&H World Series and were also defeating the rest of the nations. But yes they were at times vulnerable. It was only after their 95 home loss to Australia that they started falling apart.

 

[jazbati]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...s-new-zealand-30th-match-65185/full-scorecard

Here is the scorecard of Pak vs NZ 3 days ago before India encounter.

It seems Wasim is right as he did injure himself and didn't even bowl in that game vs NZ.

 

[greatest]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...s-new-zealand-30th-match-65185/full-scorecard

Here is the scorecard of Pak vs NZ 3 days ago before India encounter.

It seems Wasim is right as he did injure himself and didn't even bowl in that game vs NZ.

Declaring to the media that Akram was 100% fit to play even just a few minutes before the toss turned out to be a foolish ploy in the end. I remember being shocked when Aamir Sohail appeared to toss with Azhar. Now I know Pakistanis are jazbati and love conspiracy theories and that defeat pointed fingers in the wrong direction.

 

[ZafarKhan2022]

Seems like The Pavilion is being used as a tool to re-write a lot of history by the 2 Ws. Suddenly the fans are being told no your eyes are wrong when your eyes tell you that Waqar would often not play when Wasim was playing and Wasim would often not play when Waqar was playing. There was no animosity between us. No your ears are deceiving you when the Pak team announced to the world that Wasim was 100% fit on the day of the match. We have a serious cultural issue of lying and fraud.

 

[PakLFC]

You seem to have an unhealthy obsession with Pakistani bowlers being hammered by Sachin. Sachin did play against him and never “hammered him to all parts”. Is this some kind of fantasy you have?

Yes I have a fantasy for the best batsman off all time. Wasim an ATG bowler no doubt about it but was also very expensive at times. I remember pulling my hair out watching his wides and no balls from my living room. Both were experts in their craft but Sachin was more of a match winner then Wasim was for me. Sachin was a better batsman then Wasim was a bowler.

 

[PakLFC]

Not Wasim, but Waqar. Anyways, someone like Jadeja did it anyways.

Jadeja took care of Waqs not Waz.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Good to see a clear cut explanation from Wasim about it. It's been forever shrouded in controversy and it's good to see it addressed directly by him.

On a side note, it's hilarious that Wasim and Waqar still have a little bit of a rivalry going on.

In this video, Waqar starts to say Ata-ur-Rehman bowled well anyway as a replacement for Wasim. What the hell has that to do with whether Wasim was fit or not? Nothing. But Waqar trying to say Wasim wasn't missed, Wasim ain't that great that we lost just because he wasn't playing.

Wasim shoots back with you bowled awfully expensively at the end. Lol. Wasim will always be above Waqar. Their commentary together during matches is also funny. Waqar just doesn't have the intellect.

 

[Savak]

Yes I have a fantasy for the best batsman off all time. Wasim an ATG bowler no doubt about it but was also very expensive at times. I remember pulling my hair out watching his wides and no balls from my living room. Both were experts in their craft but Sachin was more of a match winner then Wasim was for me. Sachin was a better batsman then Wasim was a bowler.

Please just stop it. Even Sachin will tell you off for such an idiotic statement. Wasim has Goat stats in Cricket ie 502 ODI wickets and 414 test wickets. Almost a thousand wickets in international cricket in two premier formats. You DKSAC

 

[Savak]

Yes, he did lost his pace after two stress fractures in 92 and 95 and was not the same devastating bowler. In 1995 prior to the WC he struggled badly in Australia and New Zealand, obviously it takes time to recover fully from a stress fracture and I think BCCP was desperate to have him fit before the World Cup.

I think he just chocked or panicked in those last two overs...maybe got too emotional playing against India (he last played against them in Sharjah 1991). Until this QF I had never seen or heard him get slaughtered with the old ball and especially against guys like Kumble and Srinath. Yes, he always used to go for plenty with the new ball whether it was an ODI or a Test match...but not will an old ball.

Waqar was bowling rapidly in the 1996 ODI WC. Look at his spell vs South Africa and his deliveries to Hudson and McMillan. That was perhaps the last time we saw Waqar bowl rapidly.

It was around 1997 when I noticed Waqar had badly slowed down and was now concentrated more on swinging the new ball. His last greatest old ball bowling spell was against South Africa in the third test in 1998.

By the start of January 1999 Waqar had badly diminished and had become a military medium pacer.

 

[PakLFC]

Please just stop it. Even Sachin will tell you off for such an idiotic statement. Wasim has Goat stats in Cricket ie 502 ODI wickets and 414 test wickets. Almost a thousand wickets in international cricket in two premier formats. You DKSAC

Stop what? You are being silly with your criticism of my comments when I have said Waz bhai was an ATG too then what's your problem. He was the best left arm paceman off all time. Sachin the batsman also had certain vulnerabilities. No cricketer is beyond criticism so get over it.

 

[Savak]

Stop what? You are being silly with your criticism of my comments when I have said Waz bhai was an ATG too then what's your problem. He was the best left arm paceman off all time. Sachin the batsman also had certain vulnerabilities. No cricketer is beyond criticism so get over it.

Criticism has to be backed with logic and facts not personal opinions and biases. Blanket statements like Sachin was more of a match winner than Wasim well invite a strong counter response. Even Indians themselves will tell you many innings of Sachin which were in losing causes where he put himself ahead of the team.

 

[PakLFC]

Criticism has to be backed with logic and facts not personal opinions and biases. Blanket statements like Sachin was more of a match winner than Wasim well invite a strong counter response. Even Indians themselves will tell you many innings of Sachin which were in losing causes where he put himself ahead of the team.

Where have I said anything personal against Waz? I am saying that he could be incredibly expensive and bowled so many no balls and wides. His short run up also meant constant back problems throughout his career. Sure Sachin had his faults too but is staill the highest run scorer in tests and odi's. Nuff said.

 

[greatest]

Waqar was bowling rapidly in the 1996 ODI WC. Look at his spell vs South Africa and his deliveries to Hudson and McMillan. That was perhaps the last time we saw Waqar bowl rapidly.

It was around 1997 when I noticed Waqar had badly slowed down and was now concentrated more on swinging the new ball. His last greatest old ball bowling spell was against South Africa in the third test in 1998.

By the start of January 1999 Waqar had badly diminished and had become a military medium pacer.

You are right...1997/98 against S.Africa was the last time he really looked threatening.
Btw, what it mean is between those two stress fractures although he was still bowling quick but he wasn't as rapid and explosive as pre 1992. Before '92 I guess who ever has seen him (and I have seen him live in early 1991) he was definitely a constant 95-96mph bowler, taking away his initial year in 1989 when he was a bit raw and not much muscular.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Wasim gifted that match to India. It was a surprise to not see his name in the playing XI on that day. At that time I thought it was intentional too.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Criticism has to be backed with logic and facts not personal opinions and biases. Blanket statements like Sachin was more of a match winner than Wasim well invite a strong counter response. Even Indians themselves will tell you many innings of Sachin which were in losing causes where he put himself ahead of the team.

Only those indians who have never seen Sachin play or those who worship Kohli will call Sachin selfish. Opinions of these new age pyjama league lovers regarding Sachin should be taken with a 'bori of salt'. Sachin played against top class bowling attacks including Pakistan.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

At the end of the day, it wouldn't have made a difference. Wasim didn't do particularly well against England or SA with the ball.

As Waqar said, Ata ur Rehman performed really well and Waqar - who was actually bowling better in that World Cup - got smashed .

Pakistan were in terrible form in ODIs for the previous 18 months and it showed. India was in much better form and looked the stronger side.

 

[proud_pakistani]

Question is why did it take 25 years for him to come out and say this. I dunno what happened but it could easily have been clarified before.

 

[greatest]

Only those indians who have never seen Sachin play or those who worship Kohli will call Sachin selfish. Opinions of these new age pyjama league lovers regarding Sachin should be taken with a 'bori of salt'. Sachin played against top class bowling attacks including Pakistan.

In the 90's, Sachin's record especially in Tests against strong pace attacks comprising bowlers like Ambrose, Donald etc wasn't great. The only team he always scored well was Australia away and home, ODI and Tests. It was only at the beginning of 1999/00 when most of the great bowlers of that era we're either at the very end of their careers or had retired that his hundreds and average really took off.
That's not taking anything away from him...he was a ATG.

 

[Ab Fan]

So, even Wasim and Waqar used to skip games and that too such high pressure games. Waqar remained injured throughout 1992 World Cup also. I thought Bumrah is the only player in the cricket history to rest games or get injured which results in him skipping matches but even Wasim or Waqar or Shoaib did too.

 

[greatest]

Question is why did it take 25 years for him to come out and say this. I dunno what happened but it could easily have been clarified before.

With his memoir a few weeks away from release, I think he should be just a bit careful because if guys like Aamir Sohail, Aaqib Javed, Ata ur Rehman, Basit Ali and especially Rashid Latif open their mouths than he might have sleepless nights. Our media if it wants can make it big...but I guess nowadays Akram has good friends there.

 

[JibranAnsari]

There was rampant match fixing going on in those days , we all remember justice qayyum report. But if a player is going to play a part in fixing he will play the match. Like many other things in pakistan , the report was brushed under the carpet. In my opinion wasim Akram has been the best pakistani captain since i started watching cricket , i dont know what was going on in dressing room but on the field he was magnificient.