Wasim Akram, one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, is interested in working with the Bangladesh national team. Known as the “Sultan of Swing”, the former Pakistan pacer dominated world cricket with his pace, yorkers and exceptional reverse swing.
During the last Asia Cup, Akram expressed his desire to work with Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul said he had not heard of such a proposal, he confirmed that he would contact Akram if an opportunity or suitable situation arose.
Akram took 414 wickets in 104 Tests and 502 wickets in 356 One Day Internationals for Pakistan. Since retiring from professional cricket, he has frequently worked as a coach. In 2010, he became the pace bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, serving until 2016, during which the franchise won two titles.
He has also worked with several teams in the Pakistan Super League, including Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, and is currently with Karachi Kings as chairman and bowling coach. In May 2024, Akram conducted a two-day programme with the Sri Lanka national team. He has now expressed interest in working with Bangladesh, though the likelihood appears slim, as Shaun Tait has already been appointed as the team’s long-term pace bowling coach.
Speaking on the matter, BCB president Bulbul said, “I have not heard anything about him wanting to work in Bangladesh without payment. But a cricketing mind like his, not just as a fast bowler but as a cricket intellect, is rare in the world. I have personal contact with him. I will knock and see if it is convenient for us.”
Bangladesh recently ended a poor run in One Day Internationals by winning their series against the West Indies after four consecutive series defeats. Following a loss in the second match through a Super Over, the team made a strong comeback to clinch the final game.
Bulbul praised the team’s performance, saying that Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan played good cricket. “They played good cricket today. What impressed me most was how beautifully the team bounced back after losing the last match. It shows how well this Bangladesh team can recover after a defeat,” he said.
