Kamran Akmal criticizes Waqar Younis for making ‘negative’ statement ahead of England series

Pakistan cricket team’s next assignment is a white-ball series against hosts England. The tour comprises three ODIs and as many T20Is, starting from July 8. With the Three Lions being a force to reckon with in limited-overs cricket lately, the Men in Green would want to adapt to the local conditions ahead of the series. However, their preparations were dented due to rain in Cardiff.

Speaking of the same in a press conference, Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said that they were ‘unlucky’ with the inclement weather hampering their practice. However, the former pacer also backed his bowlers to embrace the conditions and trouble the home team in the upcoming series. While Younis would have intended to instill confidence in his team, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal found his statement negative.

Regardless of the conditions, you have to prepare yourself: Kamran Akmal

Akmal wasn’t happy with Younis pointing out that the preparations weren’t ideal. He believes that the team should embrace challenges instead of making excuses. “Waqar bhai didn’t talk positively about team’s preparation. Regardless of the conditions and situation, you have to prepare yourself. Management should talk positively,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

The 39-year-old further pointed that the national team players have been in action lately. Hence, lack of practice shouldn’t be an excuse. “Our team recently played PSL and toured South Africa and Zimbabwe earlier as well. We are playing cricket regularly, so I don’t know why he said they haven’t gotten ideal preparation. You have to prepare yourself as a professional. It is the responsibility of the management to prepare the team,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s challenge in the upcoming series has been eased to a significant extent with several first-choice England players including skipper Eoin Morgan ruled out. Seven England members, including people from support staff, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus after the recently-concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka. Subsequently, ECB has announced a revised 18-man squad which includes nine uncapped players.

Veteran all-rounder Ben Stokes will lead the Three Lions in this series and he’ll have a job to do. On the other hand, the Men in Green have a great chance to defeat England in England and they must leave no stones unturned to do so. Skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi will be the players to watch out for from the visiting team’s camp.