Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticised the major changes made to the team in the middle of its England tour, calling the situation “embarrassing” and pointing to a lack of communication within the setup.Akram said Pakistan need more consistency and better communication if they want to improve their performances.“Consistency is the key, of course, but for how long? When seven players and two coaches return in the middle of a tour, it is embarrassing for the team and the captain, and it also shows there is a lack of communication,” Akram said while speaking to YouTuber Furqan Bhatti.Akram believes Pakistan still have enough talent to compete at the highest level. He said his experience with Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams has given him a close look at the country’s players.“I have been involved in the PSL with these teams for the past four to five years, so I have seen the situation closely. In my view, the talent is there. Coaches may change, but the core players remain largely the same,” he said.
‘Give the system four to five years’
The former Pakistan captain also asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to give the domestic system enough time to produce results instead of making regular changes.“Everyone has to give the system at least three to four years. Whoever comes in next should avoid constantly changing the first-class structure. Give it four to five years, and then you will see the results,” he said.Akram also stressed the need to strengthen cricket at the grassroots level. He called for greater focus on club, school and college cricket to ensure a steady supply of talent.“We need to revive club cricket as well as school and college cricket. If grassroots cricket disappears, where will the talent come from? The PCB only takes players after they reach a certain stage,” Akram added.
Robinson puts Pakistan in deep trouble
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s problems on the England tour continued at Edgbaston as Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening over on Thursday.Robinson, man of the match in the first two Tests, took a wicket with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings and struck again three deliveries later.Pakistan reached 52-2 before rain brought an early end to play on day two. They still needed 268 runs to make England bat again.