Legendary cricketer and “Sultan of Swing” Wasim Akram has recently found himself at the center of controversy as fellow former Pakistan cricketers, Aamir Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed, criticized his role in Pakistan’s loss to Australia in the 1999 World Cup final. Videos circulating on social media have reignited the debate, with both players accusing Akram of poor decision-making that allegedly contributed to Pakistan’s defeat.
In a television interview, Aamir Sohail expressed that the months leading up to the 1999 World Cup were marred by debates over whether Akram should take on the captaincy, which he eventually did. Sohail further criticized Akram, claiming that after Pakistan’s historic win in the 1992 World Cup, Akram’s captaincy was a factor in Pakistan’s inability to win subsequent World Cups, particularly in 1996, 1999, and 2003. He called for an investigation into the reasons behind these losses and even commented on the Sitara-i-Imtiaz award Akram received in 2019, sarcastically suggesting Imran Khan should be grateful for Akram’s contribution.
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Ijaz Ahmed, who was part of the 1999 World Cup team, also weighed in, critiquing Akram’s decision-making in the final. He claimed that Pakistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss, despite heavy rain the night before, was a mistake that even a child playing street cricket would avoid. Ahmed revealed that he had advised Akram not to bat first but felt that Akram was under pressure and failed to consult the team.
During a broader discussion on Pakistan cricket’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, other prominent players, including Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and Sana Mir, reflected on the missed opportunities of the ’90s. Hafeez pointed out that while Pakistan produced many star players during that era, they failed to secure major ICC titles. He specifically mentioned the heart-breaking loss in the 1999 final as a defining moment of disappointment for the nation.
Rashid Latif also indirectly criticized the involvement of ’90s cricketers in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), suggesting that they should be kept away from the management of the sport today.
