ICC T20 World Cup 2022: "They Drop Pace Post IPL": Wasim Akram On Indian Pacers

Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani speedster, said India’s pace bowling was too slow and one of the reasons they weren’t able to trouble England openers in batting conditions that didn’t help bowlers much after India’s 10-wicket loss to England in the T20 World Cup semifinal at the Adelaide Oval.

India’s painful T20 World Cup departure last Thursday, following a crushing 10-wicket loss to England in the semifinals, couldn’t be blamed on just one factor.

Former Pakistan skipper Akram was particularly upset with the India fast bowlers, despite doubts being raised about captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid’s selections during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022.

Akram noted that it has been a phenomenon in the IPL itself in a statement to A Sports following India’s elimination from the World Cup. Avesh Khan, who had an excellent season with the Delhi Capitals in 2021 and who most veterans were pleased by his fierce pace bowling, served as an example of his remarks.

For INR 10 crore the next season, he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants, but he failed to replicate the success.

“After one season of IPL, they play the pace drops”: Wasim Akram

While the BCCI should investigate this, in Wasim Akram’s opinion, the IPL should have a salary cap on young players to prevent complacency when they are signed for a substantial sum.

“Something I noted about Indian bowlers during Asia Cup. They drop pace post IPL. For instance, Avesh Khan was bowling consistently at 145kmph but after one season of IPL, they play the pace dropped to 130-135 kmph. So BCCI needs to check the reason behind that because he got paid some 12-13 crore Indian money,”  Wasim Akram said.

Wasim Akram further added, “I think IPL need to have a pay cap for young players so that they understand bhook hoti kya hai, what it feels to be hungry. If I was earning ₹24 crores a month in Pakistan, then I don’t think I will work that hard once my job is done. The culture we come from, hum khud ko dheela chhod dete hai.”