Ijaz shouldn’t seek second term, says Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram feels that Ijaz Butt seeking another term as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman is nothing but ridiculous. Speaking to ESPN, Akram said: “If Ijaz has asked for another term then hats off to him. The whole of Pakistan and world cricket is after him. Pakistan cricket is in a mess, there is no leadership and amidst all this, to ask for another term, well what can I say. This shows that his advisors are not giving him the right directions.”

Ijaz’s term (October 6, 2008 – October 31, 2010) as PCB chief has been marred by controversies. After the match-fixing and spot-fixing rows, Ijaz was also criticised for his off-the-cuff remarks on England players involved in fixing and his extravagant spending on foreign tours. Not to forget the infamous terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. Akram feels Ijaz’s term has been tumultuous. He said: “Ijaz has been unable to hold forte. He is not a man in command. Pakistan cricket is in doldrums. There is no leadership and it was the chairman’s role to keep all these things under check. He has failed.”

The selection board has also been criticised for not consulting coach Waqar Younis while picking the team for the upcoming series against South Africa in UAE. Akram once again blames the whole incident as a management failure. “I strongly believe that the presence of the captain and coach is a must in the process of team selection. It’s fine that it is a selectors’ job, but again it is a team game. If you keep fighting amongst yourselves then where is the leadership? The ball once again falls in Ijaz’s court. He should take care of all these things.”


But as Pakistan head towards Dubai for a two-match Twenty20, five ODIs and a two-Test series against the Proteas, Akram is a positive man. “Pakistan can beat anybody in Twenty20, but the one-dayers and Tests will be a different ball game. Even if Pakistan win a match or two South Africa can always come back, they are always a difficult side. Wherever the Proteas play, they are a tough side to beat. Pakistan will give them competition, but I believe the series will be a close affair,” said Akram.