Despite multiple attempts taken to win a major trophy, team India keeps on disappointing with their losses in the knockout stages of any tournament. Coming to the 20-20 World Cup 2022, the Men in Blue were the favourites to win the trophy as there were a lot of hubbub regarding their approach in the shortest format of the game. However, cometh the tournament, the Rohit Sharma-led side changed their strategy, which ultimately backfired as they were handed a massive 10-wicket loss by England.
Following India’s exit from the marquee tournament, questions were once again asked on the importance of the Indian T20 League. However, former Pakistan international and an all-time great, Wasim Akram pointed out a different angle that hasn’t been talked about by anyone in the past. The 56-year-old wants the Indian board to put a limit to the amount the young cricketers will earn from the mega tournament. Drawing an example of Avesh Khan, he pointed out how money can actually destroy certain young talents.
“Something I noted about Indian bowlers during Asia Cup. They drop pace post-Indian T20 League. For instance, Avesh Khan was bowling consistently at 145kmph but after one season of Indian T20 League, they play the pace drops to 130-135 kmph. So the Indian board need to check the reason behind that because he got paid some 12-13 crore Indian money,” Akram said while talking to A Sports.
“I think Indian T20 League need to have a pay cap for young players so that they understand bhook hoti kya hai, what it feels to be hungry. If I was earning ₹24 crore a month in Pakistan, then I don’t think I will work that hard once my job is done. The culture we come from, hum khud ko dheela chhod dete hai (We take things lightly),” the legendary cricketer added.
I don’t know what’s being taught in the Indian camp: Waqar Younis
Former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis too pointed out how the Indian bowlers drop the pace post the Indian T20 League. He also mentioned how the coaches should immediately act on this as pace really matters in the shortest format of the game.
“I don’t know exactly why they are dropping pace but when I used to play and then worked as a coach,” he said. “I always emphasised on bowling quickly. If you are quick then bowl quick, that’s what Wasim and I did throughout our careers. If you have pace, you learn the other bits. But if you slow it down and swing the ball, then somewhere T20 cricket and modern-day coaching is at fault for that. I don’t know what’s being taught in the Indian camp but pace matters,” the legendary cricketer said in the same show.
