'Why do you want to pay me?': Wasim Akram opens up on Pakistan coaching role | Cricket News – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Pakistan endured a humiliating exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite being the host nation. Their campaign got off to a disappointing start with a defeat against New Zealand in their opening match. Any hopes of finishing the tournament on a high were further crushed when their final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was washed out due to rain, sealing their early elimination in embarrassing fashion.
Following their exit, Pakistan are now considering changes in the coaching staff and team management.
Former Pakistan fast bowler and legendary cricketer Wasim Akram has revealed why he has no interest in taking up the role of selector or head coach for the national team.
Speaking on The Dressing Room show on Ten Sports Pakistan, Akram explained that he refuses to tolerate the kind of poor treatment that his former teammates, including Waqar Younis, have faced during their tenures as head coach.
“”People still, on and off, criticise me or take digs at me, saying all I do is talk and nothing else. When I see Pakistan coaches-like Waqar here, who has been sacked multiple times after becoming a coach-and how they are treated, I cannot tolerate the disrespect,” Akram said.
Akram also expressed his willingness to support the Pakistan cricket team, stating that he is available to help whenever needed, without any charge.
“I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you want to pay me? I am available free of charge. If you organise a camp and want me there, I will be there. If you need me to spend time with the cricketers ahead of a major tournament, I will do that. But I am 58 years old, and at this stage of my life, I have a family-I have a 10-year-old daughter and two sons. I need to spend time with them. That said, I am always available. Free of charge, I will give my time.
“But I do not want to face insults at this stage of my life. I cannot tolerate it.
“I am 58 years old. I cannot take unnecessary stress. I want to be with my 10-year-old daughter. I have not seen them for two months, and I miss them. I want to do a proper job. If I commit to something, it means I have to be there 24/7. I cannot just be there for two days and then disappear-that would not be fair to the job. That is the reason,” he added.
