He joined the Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowling coach in 2010 and stayed with the franchise for over six years, during which KKR won the trophy twice in 2012 and 2014.
During the 1st ODI between Australia and Pakistan, former Pakistani captain left Mark Howard and David Warner astonished with his comment about the IPL while on commentary.
The discussion started when Howard mentioned how much Jake Fraser-McGurk might go for in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Fraser-McGurk, one of the most promising young players in world cricket, made his IPL debut this year for the Delhi Capitals and made an instant impact.
In just 9 games, he scored 330 runs, including four quick fifties, with an impressive strike rate of over 230. Despite his strong performance, the Delhi Capitals decided not to retain the talented right-handed batter.
As Howard speculated on Jake Fraser-McGurk’s potential price in the IPL auction, Wasim Akram interrupted, asking if he was talking about the IPL. When Howard confirmed, Akram responded casually, saying he had “checked out” of the IPL.
“I’ve checked out of IPL,” Wasim said.
Howard asked him why, and Akram quickly reminded him that Pakistani players aren’t permitted to participate in the tournament.
“Because we are not allowed anymore,” he added.
Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. Although several of Pakistan’s leading stars played in the league that year, no player from the country has taken part in the tournament since then.
Akram, on the other hand, had a successful coaching career in the IPL. He joined the Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowling coach in 2010 and stayed with the franchise for over six years, during which KKR won the trophy twice in 2012 and 2014.
Australia bowled Pakistan out for 203, with Mitchell Starc being the standout performer, taking three wickets. In response, Australia managed to chase down the target, thanks to Pat Cummins, who held his nerve to finish not out on 32. After the openers fell early, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis steadied the innings with an impressive 85-run partnership.
Despite Australia’s middle-order collapse that gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope for victory, Cummins ensured his side crossed the finish line with two wickets remaining.
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