Wasim Akram worried about the state of ODI cricket in Pakistan

Former Pakistan legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has expressed his concern over the current state of ODI cricket in Pakistan and said they were playing as if it was the 1990s era. Pakistan is currently competing in a 5 match ODI series in England where their performances have been below par. The batsmen have been terribly out of form and haven’t shown intent so far with the only exception being Sarfaraz Ahmed who scored a fighting century at Lord’s thus becoming the first Pakistani batsman to notch up an ODI century at Lord’s.

"Our psyche is that of the 90s. We have to realise that a score of 260-270 just isn't good enough. If it hadn't been for Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan would have collapsed before scoring 125. Even a 290-run target is easily achievable these days," Akram said.

Pakistan’s clumsy display in the limited overs format has also come to the notice of their coach Mickey Arthur who has called on his players to step up their game. Arthur also revealed that no one is guaranteed a place in the Playing XI and everyone is on notice.

"I said to the players that nobody is safe. I'm telling no secrets, nobody is 100% safe in the ODI side and the guys know that. Everybody knows they're on notice. We're going to build a team we think that can compete in a year or two's time. The invitation is there to every player, step up or we'll find somebody else who can step up, it's as simple as that." Arthur said.

Pakistan is currently 2-0 down in the 5 match series and needs to win all the remaining matches to secure a series victory. England, on the other hand, will look to wrap up the series at Trent Bridge in the 3rd ODI and give opportunities to their reserve players in the last two matches. After their heroics in the Test series, Pakistan will look to show their fighting character and bounce back strongly in the remaining 3 matches.

A few days ago Wasim Akram revealed that Mohammed Amir could be the next Wasim Akram in the making as he bowls with passion and heart just like Akram used to do in his heydays. He also chose Asad Shafiq as his favourite player in the current Pakistan team and said he was very impressed with the way Shafiq batted at No. 6 position in the Test series in England.