Wasim Akram Says Social Media Changed The Coaching Job For Good

Wasim Akram has no plans to become Pakistan’s head coach, despite his long international career and deep understanding of the game.

The former Pakistan captain explained his position during a recent interview with cricket YouTuber Furqan Bhatti. Asked why he has never shown interest in coaching the national side, Akram pointed to the way coaches are treated whenever results turn sour.

His biggest issue is accountability. According to Akram, the Pakistan coach is often the first person blamed after a poor run, with players escaping the same level of scrutiny despite being the ones on the field.

“I don’t understand why, when a team performs badly, the coach is sacked, but the players who are actually playing are not held to the same standard,” Akram said.

That frustration has only grown with the rise of social media. The former fast bowler said coaching Pakistan now means dealing with criticism from several directions, both during matches and away from the ground.

For Akram, the problem is not criticism itself. He objected to personal attacks and what he described as below-the-belt comments, particularly from people who have never played cricket but still speak aggressively about tactics and technique.

“I am now 60 years old, and I cannot tolerate this kind of disrespect and below-the-belt criticism,” he said.

Akram’s comments underline how demanding the Pakistan cricket team coach position has become. Results are judged quickly, while every selection, tactical call and defeat can trigger another round of debate.

He also made it clear that age and priorities now play a part in his decision. After decades around international cricket, Akram does not want to put himself through the daily pressure that comes with leading Pakistan from the coaching box.

“At this stage of my life, I do not want to take that kind of pressure,” he added.

The legendary pacer also stressed that coaching Pakistan is not simply about preparing a side for matches. The role comes with expectations from fans, the press and social media, creating a level of scrutiny he no longer wants to carry.

For now, Wasim Akram coaching Pakistan remains off the table. His view on the Pakistan cricket team coach role is clear: the responsibility demands far more than cricket knowledge, and he has no desire to take on that pressure.