Former Pakistan new-ball bowler Wasim Akram met Team India's latest batting sensation Abhishek Sharma in Dubai and congratulated him on his record-breaking T20I knock against England played recently at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In a video shared on social media, the former skipper was heard telling Abhishek 'This is just the start'.
The fifth T20I between India and England in Mumbai saw the left-hander shatter a host of records as he stormed his way to 135 off only 54 deliveries, plundering 13 sixes. That match also England plummet to their heaviest T20I defeat by runs as they lost by 150 runs after being bowled out for an embarrassing 97.
Below is the video of Wasim Akram greeting Abhishek Sharma:
"We have been losing with the same players for years now in white-ball cricket" - Wasim Akram
Meanwhile, the 58-year-old was scathing in his criticism of Pakistan after their crushing six-wicket loss to India on Sunday in the eight-team tournament. Akram has called for drastic changes, especially in the bowling unit, claiming that they have been worse than Oman and USA in recent times. Speaking on Sports Central, he stated:
"We need drastic steps. Enough is enough! We have been losing with the same players for years now in white-ball cricket. It's time to take a bold step and bring in young players who play fearless cricket. If you want to make big changes, go for it. Give the new players six months, back them, and start preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have had enough. You gave them chances and made them stars. Pakistan bowlers took 24 wickets in the last five games but at an average of 60. The shocking statistic is that Pakistan's bowling average is the second worst among 14 teams, which includes Oman and the USA, that played ODI cricket this year."
Pakistan's next game is against Bangladesh on Thursday.
