Wasim Akram on the prospect of coaching Pakistan: I am not a fool, don’t tolerate misbehaviour

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has absolutely no wish to coach the national team after saying that he won’t be able to tolerate the negativity that follows after every defeat and also because he won’t be able to spend most of the year away from his family due to his job.

Akram turned to commentary after his playing career ended in 2004 and then started a career in coaching in 2010 when he was appointed the bowling consultant of Kolkata Knight Riders by the Shah Rukh Khan co-owned IPL franchise.

He has since worked as the bowling coach of Pakistan Super League teams Islamabad United and Multan Sultans. The 54-year-old cricket legend is the current chairman and bowling coach of Karachi Kings.

But when asked about the prospect of coaching Pakistan’s national team in the future, Akram straightaway refused to even think about the offer.

“When you become the coach, you need to give at least 200 to 250 days a year to the team and that’s a lot of work. I don’t think I can manage so much work away from Pakistan, from my family. And as it is, I spend time with most of the players in the PSL, they all have my number,” Akram told Cricket Pakistan in an interview.

Akram also pointed out how the Pakistani fans turn on the team after every defeat which is something that he doesn’t want to face as the coach.

“I am not a fool. I keep on hearing and seeing the way people misbehave with their coaches and seniors. Coach isn’t the one playing. The players do that. The coach can only help with planning so if the team loses, I don’t think the coach is not as accountable as we hold him as a nation.

“So I’m afraid of that as well, because I don’t tolerate misbehaviour. And we are becoming that. I love the people their enthusiasm and passion for the game, but without the misbehaviour that is shown in social media. It shows what we are,” Akram said.