Latest news with #WaqarYounis
NDTV
13-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
PCB Sacks Domestic Teams Mentors Including Waqar Younis, Misbah Ul Haq
Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday sacked all five mentors who were appointed with domestic teams during the inaugural edition of its Champions One-Day Cup, including former captains Waqar Younis and Misbah Ul Haq. Former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Saqlain Mushtaq were the other mentors who were assigned to each of the five competing teams in the 50-overs competition. A source informed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during a meeting with the board officials, had been briefed about the performance of the mentors since their appointments last year. The PCB had asked these former cricketers to dedicate a certain number of days to work as mentors with their respective domestic teams while they were also allowed to take up media roles and other assignments. According to reports, these mentors were being paid a monthly salary of Pakistani rupees 5 million. 'Apparently, at the briefing, the consensus was that the money spent on the mentors was not being justified as they had not delivered anything of value until now,' the source said. The source added that those who attended the meeting weren't happy with the fact that Malik insisted on playing in the national T20 championship and lead Sialkot instead of focussing on his job only as a mentor.
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's bowling woes deepen as fast bowlers set unwanted record
Listen to article Following a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in the ODI series, Pakistan's fast bowlers have set an unwanted record, registering the second-worst bowling performance in the first 10 overs over the past year. In major tournaments like the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as well as during various bilateral series, Pakistan's fast bowlers have delivered a series of disappointing performances. The once-renowned pace attack of Pakistan has struggled with basic line and length, allowing opposing teams to pile on runs. Over the past year, Pakistan's bowlers have conceded runs at an alarming economy rate of 36 in the first 10 overs. In comparison, England's fast bowlers top the list, with opponents scoring at an economy rate of 37.3 against them in the opening 10 overs. South Africa follows closely with an economy rate of 33, while India's fast bowlers have conceded runs at an average rate of 31.4 in the first 10 overs. Pakistan's bowling issues are not limited to the first 10 overs; their death bowling is also a significant concern. The numbers paint a worrying picture as Pakistan's bowlers have the worst economy rate at the death, conceding a staggering 12.03 runs per over across six innings (excluding the latest ODI against New Zealand). This is the highest among all major cricketing nations, with South Africa (11.86) and England (10.63) trailing behind. The underwhelming performance of Pakistan's fast bowlers has sparked disappointment among fans, who expressed frustration over the team's decline. Many pointed out that this was once the same team that boasted legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, feared for their pace and ability. Now, fans lament that Pakistan's pace attack is desperately in need of improvement.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Umar Akmal criticises Waqar Younis' head coach tenure, alleges misconduct
Listen to article Former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has strongly criticised ex-head coach Waqar Younis, alleging that he was mistreated and mentally pressured during Younis' tenure. Akmal claimed that the former fast bowler deliberately undermined his confidence and created an environment that was not conducive to his growth as an international cricketer. Speaking in a recent interview, Akmal recalled how his attacking batting approach in Test cricket was discouraged. 'When I played attacking shots, I was told, 'Have you started playing T20 cricket in Tests?' And when I rotated the strike, they said, 'Are you playing an ODI in Test cricket?'' Akmal said. 'Now, look at today's Test cricket—it doesn't even last three or four days.' Akmal further alleged that Younis had a personal issue with him and his brothers, Kamran and Adnan Akmal. He claimed that Waqar Younis openly questioned why all three were playing for Pakistan. 'I heard it with my own ears. Waqar Younis said, 'Sari cricket tussi bharavan ne leni hai?' (Will all the cricket be played by these brothers?) What kind of statement is that from a head coach?' Akmal remarked. The wicketkeeper-batter also criticised Younis for focusing on non-cricketing matters rather than performance. 'He would ask me, 'Why are you wearing these glasses? Why these shoes?' Instead of focusing on my cricket, he was more interested in such things,' Akmal added. Reflecting on his struggles, Akmal said the constant criticism affected him mentally, but he was supported by senior players. 'The senior players sat me down and told me to ignore these things and play my natural game. They encouraged me to focus on my strengths rather than listening to negativity.' Akmal's comments are the most recent in a long list of criticism aimed towards ex-Pakistani players, especially from the 1990s. In a recent television broadcast, Mohammed Hafeez was also seen criticising former players from the 90s era. Waqar Younis has not yet responded to the allegations.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Waqar Younis hits back at Hafeez's criticism of 90s cricket stars
Waqar Younis has responded to Mohammad Hafeez's recent remarks about Pakistan's 1990s cricket stars, sharing a cryptic social media post defending the era's players. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Younis posted a throwback picture alongside Wasim Akram, highlighting their combined bowling records. He captioned the post in bold letters, '90's KA LONDA (Boys from the 90s),' implying that their performances spoke for themselves amid criticism. '90's KA LONDA' Test - 191 ODI's - 618 Wkts - 1705 Runs - 8594 5wkts - 66 10wkts - 10#NotBad @wasimakramlive #GoodOldDays♥️ — Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) March 6, 2025 Hafeez, who played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is for Pakistan, recently claimed that 1990s cricket greats failed to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. While analysing Pakistan's early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy, Hafeez stated that despite having big names like Akram, Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, the team failed to win an ICC title beyond the 1992 World Cup. 'I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s, but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. They didn't win an ICC event – they lost the (World Cups of) 1996, 1999, and 2003. We reached one final (in 1999) and lost that badly,' Hafeez said. His comments sparked debate, with some questioning Pakistan cricket's ability to consistently perform on the global stage. With Pakistan's struggles in the Champions Trophy 2025 on home soil, discussions about the team's legacy and past performances have resurfaced, especially as much of the harsh criticism has come from former cricketers of the 1990s era, many of whom now appear as commentators or experts on television during cricket coverage.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Wasim Akram explains why he never took head coach role for Pakistan
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has clarified why he has never considered taking up the role of head coach or chief selector of the national cricket team, citing the harsh treatment faced by former players in such positions. Speaking on a sports channel, Wasim Akram addressed a fan's question regarding his reluctance to take on a coaching role. He pointed to the criticism and disrespect often directed at former cricketers who take up coaching roles, using Waqar Younis as an example. "To be honest, a lot of people still, on and off, either criticise me or take digs at me, saying, 'Just let him talk, he doesn't do anything himself,'" Akram said. "When I see Pakistani coaches, including Waqar, who has been a coach multiple times, and how people misbehave with them, I realise that I wouldn't be able to tolerate such disrespect towards me." Despite ruling out a formal coaching role, the former left-arm pacer reiterated his willingness to contribute to Pakistan cricket without financial compensation. "I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you have to pay me? I'm available for free. Whenever you call me for a camp, I'll come. If you involve me in any tournament, I'll spend time with players," he said. Akram, 58, also highlighted his personal priorities, stressing the importance of family time. "I have a family, a 10-year-old daughter, and two boys. I want to spend time with them. But like I said, I'm always available, even free of cost, to have the camp going for the kids whenever I have the time," he added. Pakistan has previously appointed former cricketers such as Javed Miandad, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Waqar Younis as head coach. Currently, former pacer Aqib Javed is serving as interim head coach. Under Javed's guidance, Pakistan endured a winless ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on home soil, failing to defend their title. Pakistan's early exit adds to their recent struggles in global tournaments, raising further questions about the team's direction and leadership.
