The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Wasim Akram criticises BCCI move

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Wednesday, Apr 11, 2007
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Wasim Akram criticises BCCI move

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan Test captain Wasim Akram was critical of the manner in which the Board of Control for Cricket in India had treated its senior players after the World Cup debacle.

In an interview to Mobile ESPN, Akram said, "You can't be treating senior players like Sachin (Tendulkar) as kids. If some senior players have advised the board to stop endorsements, then it is wrong — the jealousy factor is very clear."

Akram said, "as a cricketer, I looked forward to playing for my country. If you are good enough, endorsements will come. It's not the money but the recognition that matters. Of course, money should not affect your game, but form and endorsements are not related.

Dravid's retention good

Welcoming the decision to retain Rahul Dravid as captain, Akram said, "Dravid is a good captain and he is improving. He may be lacking in confidence but he will get better. Under him, India will settle down as a team. It might take a couple of years but eventually the results will be good."

The Pakistan great was not just critical of the BCCI. He welcomed the decision to appoint Ravi Shastri as the cricket manager for the Bangladesh tour.

"Players like Ravi should be more actively involved. Ravi is a players' man, likeable and knows what to do with players. His 15 years in the media will be an advantage. Whatever happens, happens for the better and Ravi's coming, even for a short span, will help. May be in future, there is a bigger role for him in Indian cricket."

On Greg Chappell being offered a role in the National Cricket Academy, Akram noted, "So what if he failed as Team India coach? Greg has a lot to offer. He is an organised man and young players will learn Aussie aggression and passion from him. Indian cricket needs the hunger for success and who better than Greg to instill that?"

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