Here’s How Imran Khan’s Advice Helped Pakistan Win The Chennai Test in Late 90s
The Sultan of reverse swing added that Imran Khan advised him to take Shahid Afridi on the tour of India.
Former world-cup-winning Captain of the Pakistan cricket team and current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, is considered as one of the brilliant minds in international cricket.
Despite having retired in 1992, after the world cup triumph, a number of Pakistani cricketers still look up to him whenever they need advice. Khan still offers his advice to the national team ahead of any crucial game.
Recently just before Pakistan’s world cup clash against India, the former Captain had advised Pakistan to bat first if they won the toss at Old Trafford. The advice was ignored and Pakistan lost the game by 89-runs.
Imran Khan Advice To Wasim Akram:
Another former cricketer, Wasim Akram, recently opened up about how Imran Khan’s advice helped his team win the famous Chennai test in the late 90s.
Speaking in a YouTube video, Wasim Akram revealed that during his playing days, he would often call Imran Khan for advice before a crucial tour.
The Sultan of reverse swing added that Imran Khan advised him to take Shahid Afridi on the tour of India.
“I called Imran Khan before the 1999-2000 tour of India & told him that I wanted to take Shahid Afridi on the tour but a few selectors were against it. He told me you should definitely take him, he will win you one or two Tests and make him open the batting,” Wasim Akram said.
Acknowledging Imran Khan’s advice, Wasim Akram picked Afridi in the squad and sent him to open the innings. Shahid Afridi went on to score his maiden hundred in the first test and helped Pakistan win the game by 12-runs.
Boom Boom Afridi scored 141 runs in the second innings and also picked three key- wickets in the test match.
”I generally discussed a lot with Imran, sometimes before the tour, sometimes during the tour and his suggestions always came in handy,” Akram added.
Wasim Akram Crédits Afridi For Changing The Mindset of Opening in Test Cricket:
“In Test cricket, Sehwag came later but in 1999-2000 Shahid Afridi changed the mindset of opening in Test cricket. Even if I was the bowler I would know that I can get him out but also know that he can hit me for boundaries. He used to hit lose deliveries for sixes at will,” said Wasim Akram.
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