Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has rubbished reports that he had undergone a rehabilitation programme in London for a drug related problem
KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has rubbished reports that he had undergone a rehabilitation programme in a London hospital for a drugs related problem.
Akram said he had been under treatment in a hospital but it was for an acute sugar related problem and had nothing to do with drugs.
"Diabetics is not a new illness for me. I have played years of international cricket with it. But it got a bit out of hand and I had to seek treatment," he said on Monday.
The legendary left-arm pacer, who remains Pakistan's highest Test and one-day wicket taker, also said he would be going to India on September 27 for his assignments with ESPN.
He also warned that the Twenty20 format of cricket would badly affect the future of one-day internationals.
"I fear for the future of 50-over internationals. Because people now don't have much time to watch cricket for a full-day. In Twenty20 cricket they get to watch a lot of exciting cricket in three to four hours. It is an ideal format for them," he added.
He, however, declined to pick any favourite for the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup, saying it was difficult to make predictions in such a format.
Akram also expressed his disappointment over Pakistan's defeat to India on the 'bowl out' rule.
"It was disappointing to see not one of our bowlers could hit the target although we played well on the field. It was sad to see our bowlers didn't take the 'bowl out' seriously. I don't know why the pacers opted to bowl off a short run-up, it spoilt their rhythm."
Akram said captain Shoaib Malik should have led the way for his team in the 'bowl out' and taken the first attempt.
"Whether we like it or not, but this is now part and parcel of Twenty20 cricket and we need to now master this rule. It is no use making lame excuses."
Akram also lashed out at Malik for saying he was not aware that the match with India would be decided on a 'bowl out'.
"If he says that then he does not deserve to be the captain of Pakistan. Every captain must know about the rules and regulations before every tournament and match."
He also said the 'bowl out' rule was not new and it had been used in county cricket and he took part in it for Lancashire.
Akram also criticised the selectors for dropping Mohammad Yousuf from the Twenty20 World Cup squad.
"The team is not balanced without him. The selectors were not just with him and the batting is brittle without his experienced presence," he said.
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