“I knew how to play cricket so that was ok, not a problem. Commentating, to start off was tough, it was very difficult. Now I’m really enjoying it as I have got used to it,” PakPassion.net quoted Akram, as saying.
“Coaching is definitely the most difficult facet of cricket, because it’s frustrating, as you cannot do anything yourself. Nothing is in your control once the boys have taken the field. When I played cricket, I could change the game, but as a coach, I don’t have that opportunity, only the players can change the course of a match,” he added.
Akram’s long career came to an end before the advent of the Twenty-20 format of the game. Whilst injuries did hamper his career from time to time, he played in an era where rarely did bowlers opt out of one format of cricket just to extend their careers in another format.
Akram felt that some modern day cricketers were taking the easy option of playing just shorter formats, and not giving Test cricket the respect it deserves.
“It varies from cricketer to cricketer, but if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, for that you have to be known for playing test cricket. For some it's easier to retire from Test cricket, to play just Twenty20 cricket, earn a lot of money and then disappear,” he said.
Akram, who featured in 104 test matches and 356 one day internationals (ODIs), pointed out that someone like Dale Steyn would be remembered as a great for being an exceptional bowler who runs in hard for every ball he bowls, whatever the format.
“Nowadays you can be a good Twenty20 player and make a career out of it, but my ambition was always to be the best player in the world in all formats and that should be the aim for every youngster,” he stated.
