Wasim Akram, one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, has made it clear why he has no interest in taking up the role of head coach or chief selector for the national team. Despite his vast experience and legendary status, Akram has never served as Pakistan’s head coach, and he has no plans to do so in the future. Speaking on The Dressing Room show on Ten Sports Pakistan, he explained that he cannot tolerate the kind of mistreatment that former players like Waqar Younis have faced after stepping into coaching roles.
“People often criticize me, saying, ‘He doesn’t do anything, just talks.’ But when I see the way Pakistani coaches, including Waqar Younis, have been treated—how fans misbehave with them—I know I wouldn’t be able to handle that disrespect,” Wasim Akram said.
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The legendary pacer, who was the first bowler to take 500 wickets in ODIs, emphasized that his reluctance is not due to a lack of desire to help Pakistan cricket. In fact, he is more than willing to offer his expertise whenever required—without any financial compensation.
“I want to help Pakistan cricket, but why do you have to pay me? I am available for free. If there’s a camp, I’ll come. If you want me involved in a tournament, I’ll spend time with the players. But I’m 58 years old now. I have a family, a 10-year-old daughter, and two boys—I want to spend time with them. However, if Pakistan cricket needs me, I’m there. I can conduct training camps for young players whenever I have the time,” he added.
However, Akram made it clear that he refuses to subject himself to the kind of public humiliation that coaches often face in Pakistan. “I can’t allow myself to be insulted like that at this stage of my life. People already disrespect us enough as it is,” he remarked.
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Pakistan has seen several former players take on coaching roles, including Javed Miandad, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Waqar Younis. Currently, former pacer Aqib Javed is serving as the interim head coach of the national team.
