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.”
