Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler and the “Sultan of Swing,” Wasim Akram, has credited former World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan for his success, calling him the best captain he ever played under.
Speaking on the English cricketers Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, David Lloyd, and Phil Tufnell’s podcast Stick to Cricket, Wasim Akram said:
“Imran Khan was by far the best captain I ever played under. He wasn’t naturally the most talented, but through sheer hard work and determination, he achieved greatness.”Wasim Akram added, “Everything I achieved in cricket—both on and off the field—I owe to Imran Khan. He always gave us confidence, led from the front, and believed in his own abilities.”
He went on to say, “People often called me a naturally gifted bowler, but Imran’s success came purely from hard work. He wasn’t naturally talented, yet he earned everything through effort. In fact, in 1976 he even changed his bowling action, which is an incredibly difficult thing to do, but his determination made it possible.”
Wasim Akram Shares an Interesting Story About Imran Khan
The former fast bowler also revealed that Imran Khan always demanded 100% effort from his players and would never tolerate laziness. “If someone was sluggish on the field, he would scold them. But if you gave your best and still didn’t get results, he accepted that.”It’s worth noting that Wasim Akram made his debut in 1984, during which time Imran Khan mentored the young fast bowler and helped him develop into one of the greatest bowlers in the world.
Later, under Imran Khan’s captaincy, Pakistan won its first and only World Cup in 1992, where Wasim Akram was named Man of the Match in the final.
