Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said when he criticised Mohammad Rizwan for his approach during the Hong Kong game in the Asia Cup 2022, he was attacked by people on social media.
Pakistan suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on Sunday and one of the biggest talking points was the approach of Pakistani openers. The usual slow starts from Babar Azam and Rizwan have been a subject of debates for as long as they’ve been opening together.
Rizwan ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 281 runs in six innings at an average of 56.20 although at a low strike rate of 117.57. His approach did not impress the former players, including the Pakistan great Wasim Akram.
The Lankan Lions clinched their sixth Asia Cup title after beating Pakistan by 23 runs on the back of Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s magnificent 71* off 45. Chasing 171, Rizwan was at the crease for 16 overs but could only score 55 runs in 49 balls. The slow approach in the first half of the innings meant Pakistan had too many to get in the later stage and trying to get there, they lost wickets in clusters.
Speaking in the post-show on the host broadcaster Star Sports, Akram revealed how he was abused by fans after his unfiltered views on the batting style.
“At the beginning of the tournament, I had said that the openers won’t mess up but struggle in games like these. That’s exactly what happened today,”
he said.
“I’m very sceptical about ‘anchoring’ in T20 cricket. It’s overrated because you have got 10 wickets and 20 overs. It’s unfair to pick one guy but he (Rizwan) is a glaring example of Pakistan’s approach. You can’t have Rizwan batting at strike rate of 104 in the 16th over when you are chasing 171,”
added India’s Sanjay Manjrekar.
“He (Rizwan) had done the same thing against Hong Kong if you remember. I criticised him, which was healthy criticism. And people attacked me on social media. Pakistan people said that I don’t support Rizwan. If you want my opinion, I will give you the right and straightforward opinion,”
said Akram.
