‘It’s just a crazy game’: Wasim Akram recalls helping Irfan Pathan before his anti-Pakistan posts
Wasim Akram (Photo Reuters) Pakistan great Wasim Akram has urged fans on both sides of the India-Pakistan divide to stop bringing emotions from past conflicts into cricket, insisting that one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries should ultimately be seen as nothing more than a game.Speaking on the 1 Mint podcast, Akram also reflected on his long association with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, recalling how the young left-hander was a big fan of his when the two first met in Australia. Akram said he gave Pathan some tips early in his career, but joked that his former admirer now regularly posts anti-Pakistan comments on social media.“It’s another thing that he keeps tweeting something or other against Pakistan. But our fans are also ready. They don’t tend to ignore it. They just have to respond,” Akram said.The comments came as Akram discussed the extra attention and emotion surrounding the India-Pakistan matches, which are increasingly becoming as much a battleground on social media as the contests on the cricket field.
“It’s just a crazy game”
Akram, who played in some of the most memorable India-Pakistan contests of his era, believes fans should not allow sporting results to become an extension of historical and political tensions.“People have too much time. Why can’t they understand? It’s just a crazy game. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Somebody’s got to win, somebody’s got to lose. And move on,” he said.“But no, what happened many moons ago still stands. It’s 1970, revenge and all. It’s a classic ’empty mind is the devil’s workshop’ thought process,” he added.Akram’s message comes at a time when every meeting between India and Pakistan generates huge online discussion, with supporters often taking the rivalry far beyond the cricket field.But for the former Pakistan captain, the basic principle remains simple: one side wins, the other loses and both move on.
When Akram helped young Irfan Pathan
Akram also recalled his first interaction with Pathan, who grew up watching Pakistan’s legendary left-arm fast bowlers and was often compared to Akram after he burst onto the international scene.“Irfan met me in 2004 on his first tour to Australia; I commented. He was a big fan. He grew up watching us. I gave him a few pointers here and there, but he was doing well early in his career,” Akram said.Pathan’s bowling action bore similarities to Akram’s and the Pakistan great explained that his advice was not about changing the young bowler’s technique either, but rather helping him understand the tactical aspects of fast bowling.“His action was similar to mine from the very beginning. But when the players ask you something, what you tell them is mostly about mindset. Action and everything is fine because at this stage you have reached the level where you represent the country,” he said.“Things like wrist position and how to pop the batsman. When to use variations, when not to. So yeah, it was good fun. Irfan is a good guy; he meets me all the time.”Pathan became one of India’s most effective left-arm fast bowlers of the 2000s. His ability to swing the new ball and generate movement made comparisons with Akram inevitable, while his versatility eventually made him an important all-rounder.
Irfan Pathan (ANI Photo)
Pathan and his Pakistani rivalry
Pathan also created an impressive record against Pakistan, taking 67 wickets in 36 internationals – 27 in Tests, 34 in ODIs and six in T20Is.One of his most memorable performances came in Karachi in 2006 when he became only the second Indian to take a Test hat-trick, removing Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf in the first innings.Since his retirement, Pathan has remained one of the most outspoken former Indian cricketers on social media and television. He has taken aim at Pakistan and its cricketers at times, including in the aftermath of high-profile matches between India and Pakistan.However, Akram seemed to take the banter in stride. While acknowledging Pathan’s occasional anti-Pakistan posts, he also pointed out that fans on both sides are equally unwilling to let such comments pass.But the former Pakistan captain wants the line between sporting competition and everything outside of it to remain clear.“Somebody’s got to win, somebody’s got to lose. And move on,” Akram said.
Which aspect of cricket rivalry do you think is more important?
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
More than 5,000 users have already voted today
More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today
Share an opinion