Former Pakistan Skipper Wasim Akram Shares Interesting Story Behind His Retirement From International Cricket

Last Update on: June 6th, 2023 at 06:21 pm

Stay up-to-date with the latest teams!
Join our Telegram channel and never miss a single lineup change post-toss. 🔄📢

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has shared an interesting anecdote about his decision to retire from international cricket. The legendary fast bowler, known for his exceptional skills, revealed that his retirement was influenced by a series of events during his stint with Hampshire in county cricket.

Wasim Akram announced his international retirement in May 2003 after feeling disheartened by being dropped from the team. Determined to prove a point, he joined Hampshire but soon realized that his body couldn’t handle the demands of four-day matches.

Recalling the moment, the 57-year-old humorously mentioned that he couldn’t walk for three days after being asked to bowl 28 overs in a single day, which led him to question his decision.

Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: Wasim Akram Backs Australia To Emerge Victorious Over India

In an interaction with Sportskeeda, Wasim Akram shared his perspective on his retirement. He explained, “I retired [from international cricket] because I was fed up at being dropped from the team. The chairman at that time did not like me.”

Akram added, “Two years before my international retirement, I was asked to hang up my boots from Test cricket. I played ODIs for two years. Then, we came back from the 2003 World Cup. I was 37 and was bowling okay. I could have played on for another year, but I am glad I left.”

The Passion Was Gone And I Was Finding It Difficult: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game. He represented Pakistan in 104 Tests and 356 ODIs, claiming 414 and 502 wickets, respectively. Additionally, Wasim Akram showcased his batting skills by scoring three Test centuries, including a highest score of 257*.

Regarding his decision to retire, Wasim Akram shared how he reached a point where he had to convince himself to give up cricket. Reflecting on his situation, the Pakistani great said, “Every morning, while brushing, I used to look at the mirror and asked myself, What are you doing at this age? Why are you playing first-class matches? The passion was gone and I was finding it difficult to go to the ground. I called up my wife and my kids from the same room and told them, ‘look, I am retiring’. “

Also Read: ICC Releases List Of Nominees For Player Of The Month Award For May As No Indian Player Makes The Cut

He further added, “No hard feeling, but the story is funny. I signed up with Hampshire because at the back of my mind, I wanted to take revenge [for being dropped] and show that I still had it. But, playing county cricket at 37… I had quit Tests two years back. In the first four-day game, they [Hampshire] got me to bowl 28 overs on Day 1. I couldn’t walk for three days.”

Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: “I Want To Win Championships” – Rohit Sharma Speaks On His Mindset Before Big Clash

The humorous tale shared by Akram offers a glimpse into the personal reflections and challenges that led to his decision to retire from international cricket.