A fresh controversy has erupted over Pakistan’s loss in the 1999 Cricket World Cup final, as former Test cricketers Aamir Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed have openly blamed Wasim Akram for the defeat. Their recent statements, which have gone viral on social media, have sparked renewed debate over the decisions made during the tournament.
Aamir Sohail’s Claims Against Wasim Akram
In a recent interview with a private TV channel, former Pakistan opener Aamir Sohail alleged that discussions about changing the team’s captain had begun months before the World Cup. He claimed that there was a push to make Wasim Akram the captain, which eventually happened.
Sohail further claimed, “Wasim Akram’s lasting impact on Pakistan cricket was that we never secured another World Cup victory after 1992.” We had the potential to win the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups, but we lost. These losses should have been properly investigated.”
He also remarked that former Pakistan captain Imran Khan should be grateful to Wasim Akram, as he was later honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2019.
Ijaz Ahmed Questions Wasim Akram’s Decision-Making
Ijaz Ahmed, who was part of Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup squad, expressed his disappointment over the team’s strategy in the final. He particularly criticized Wasim Akram’s decision to bat first after winning the toss, calling it a major tactical blunder.
“On the eve of the final, torrential rain soaked the ground. I had already suggested that we should bowl first. Even a street-level cricketer wouldn’t have made the mistake that Wasim did. If he was under pressure, he should have called a team meeting in the morning, but that never happened,” Ijaz Ahmed stated.
He also recalled an encounter with Imran Khan before the match. “Before the toss, I exchanged greetings with Imran Khan. Later, when Wasim Akram chose to bat first, Imran Khan called me back and said, ‘You guys have already lost the match.’”
Ongoing Debate Among Former Cricketers
This controversy comes in the wake of recent remarks made by former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who questioned why Pakistan’s 1990s team failed to win ICC events despite their talent. His comments have triggered a wave of accusations among former players, reigniting discussions about Pakistan’s past World Cup campaigns.
