Wasim Akram endorses THIS legend as Pakistan's batting coach

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has endorsed former captain Younis Khan as a strong candidate for the role of head coach of Pakistan's red-ball Test cricket team.

Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, Akram shared his thoughts on the national team's coaching setup and emphasised Younis Khan's importance in red-ball cricket. "Younis Khan can be a good option as a batting coach for red-ball cricket," he said. "Younis is very special for Pakistan cricket. I don't know what the issue is between the PCB [Pakistan Cricket Board] and Younis Khan."

"The new coach can help change the mindset of the younger players. We need to stop expecting instant results; our players have to become mentally and physically strong," he added.

Wasim Akram urged fans to be patient with the new coaching setup. "We rush for results too quickly. A new coach needs time to settle in and deliver," he emphasised.

The former left-arm fast bowler also expressed concern over Pakistan's declining performance in the longest format. "Pakistan has fallen far behind in red-ball cricket," he noted.

Akram said the decision on the Pakistan-India cricket rivalry lies beyond the cricket boards. "We all want to see Pakistan and India play cricket," he stated. "But the decision on this must be made by both governments. I can't comment much on the issue."

While reviewing the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Akram praised the emergence of young talent, naming Hassan Nawaz, Ali Raza, and Salman Mirza among those who impressed. "These young players showcased their potential," he said.

Akram also applauded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and supporting departments for successfully organising the league despite delays. "Even though many technical staff, including DRS officials, couldn't return, the way the PCB handled things was commendable," he said.

Regarding the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, Akram played down concerns over the possible absence of big names. "If Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, or Shaheen Afridi miss a couple of matches, it's not a big issue," he said. "They still have a lot of cricket left in them, but the new players in the squad need proper mental grooming."

Recently, Aqib Javed was appointed as the Director of High Performance, while former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson took charge as Pakistan's white-ball head coach.

Hesson's first task will be leading the national team in a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place at home from May 28 to June 1.

The Bangladesh squad, captained by Litton Das, has already arrived in Pakistan and is set to begin training tonight ahead of the much-anticipated series.

Meanwhile, the Men in Green will wrap up their white-ball commitments before turning their focus to the red-ball format as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

After the 2025 Asia Cup in September, Pakistan is expected to host South Africa in October for a two-match Test series, along with three ODIs and three T20Is.