Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Cited as Benchmark by Wasim Akram Amid Pakistan’s Batting Crisis
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has sharply criticized the nation's cricket system, questioning the Pakistan Super League's impact on developing batting talent over its decade-long existence. He highlighted India's 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a benchmark.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced serious concerns over the dearth of batting talent emerging from the country's cricketing pipeline, challenging the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to justify its decade-long existence in fostering national-level batsmen. "It has been 10 years since the PSL started, but has a single batter been produced by the PSL? Yes, we have produced a few bowlers but tell me have we produced any noteworthy batting talent?" Akram questioned during a media interaction in Lahore on Friday, September 11, 2026. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest to Score Half-Century in Duleep Trophy History.
PSL's Batting Enigma
Akram's remarks come as Pakistan continues to grapple with inconsistent batting performances, particularly in Test cricket. While acknowledging the PSL's success in unearthing fast-bowling talent, the legendary pacer highlighted its perceived failure to nurture a similar calibre of batters, despite the tournament completing its tenth season. He stressed that the issue extends beyond the T20 league, pointing to systemic problems in the development pathway below the PSL.
The 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi' Standard
In a pointed comparison, Akram cited India's teenage batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as the kind of transformative talent Pakistan needs to produce. "I think when we produce a batting talent like the 14-year-old then we will see improvement coming through," Akram stated, referring to Sooryavanshi, who is now 15 years old and has rapidly made a name for himself in Indian cricket, notably through the IPL, with his fearless strokeplay against established international bowlers. His rise symbolises India's robust talent pathway, a stark contrast to the situation Akram perceives in Pakistan.
Technical Flaws and Test Woes
Akram further dissected Pakistan's current struggles, particularly in the ongoing Test series in England. He criticized Pakistani batsmen for technical deficiencies, observing that they were "standing rooted in the crease" against bowlers like Ollie Robinson, failing to move their front foot forward. This technical flaw, coupled with recent setbacks, including Test series defeats to Bangladesh both at home and away, underscores the urgency of Akram's concerns about the team's long-format capabilities. India Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I vs Afghanistan: Check Predicted 11.
Call for Systemic Change
To address the crisis, Akram advocated for a significant overhaul of Pakistan's cricket infrastructure. He emphasized the revival of club cricket, suggesting that the PCB should invest substantial funds – 100 million rupees each in Karachi and Lahore – to nurture grassroots talent. Akram also called for long-term planning and consistency within the domestic structure, arguing that frequently changing coaches or personnel would not solve fundamental issues if the talent pool remains shallow. He urged the PCB to allow any new system to run for at least three to four years to produce tangible results.
Wasim Akram's blunt assessment serves as a critical wake-up call for Pakistan cricket, demanding a serious introspection into its talent development programs. The legendary fast bowler believes that without fundamental changes and a sustained commitment to nurturing young batting talent from the grassroots, Pakistan's struggles, especially in Test cricket, are likely to persist.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 03:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
