Multan Sultans fail to unite Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis
The franchise was keen to reunite the duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, a duo that terrorised batters in the 1990s and early 2000s with their pace and swing.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set for the addition of the sixth team in the competition for the third season. Dubai-based Schön Group’s Multan Sultans being the latest addition had a pleasant surprise for the fans. The franchise was keen to reunite Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, a duo that terrorised batters in the 1990s and early 2000s with their pace and swing. They have reportedly shared a tumultuous relationship during their playing days, which has been an age-old problem with Pakistan cricket with 2 stars not seeing eye-to-eye. ALSO READ: Akram, Younis engage in Twitter battle over Kumble’s ‘perfect 10’
Though the duo never miss a chance to shower pleasantries for each other, ego seems to be an issue that might have resulted in this failed reunion. Due to his role with the national side, Waqar wasn’t a part of the first two editions of the PSL, however Multan Sultans wanted him to be their head coach. The franchise had already signed Akram as its director of cricket operations. So the coach reporting to the director could be an issue here? Quite possible.
“I have been in discussions with them but sadly we didn’t reach a final agreement. They [Multan owners] are good people and I was delighted to have an offer mainly because the idea of reuniting with Wasim Akram was fascinating. Both of us working for the same cause of cricket for the same team would have been great. I wish Wasim-bhai very good luck with his plans to form his own team,” Waqar told ESPNCricinfo.
However, there was a glint of crib when Waqar spoke to Geo Sports on the same issue. “Wasim-bhai will make whatever team they put together and probably I don’t come in that plan… which I have probably never been in his plans.I always wanted to be part of Multan because it’s linked with where I am from, the city and region of South Punjab where I am from, so it’s unfortunate,” said Waqar.
Despite their individual differences, Akram and Waqar dominated the world scene at one time. In the 61 Tests the two played together, they share 559 wickets. They have never worked together since their retirements in 2003.
Akram had two stints with Islamabad United, winning the inaugural season with them. While international cricket is on its way back to Pakistan, it is sad to see some things not changing, especially the ego wars between the senior pros. Multan Sultans had a shoot planned with Waqar and Akram in Multan on Tuesday, but it had to be cancelled after the deal fell off.
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