Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram’s outspoken comments on the popular sports talk show, ‘Pavilion’, have been stirring significant buzz since last year. The show, which garnered massive traction during the ICC World Cup 2023, is back as Akram delves into the intricacies of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.
During a recent episode, Akram didn’t hold back in his critique of Lahore Qalandars’ player Abdullah Shafique for his reaction after taking a crucial catch to dismiss Islamabad United’s Imad Wasim. Islamabad found themselves in a precarious position during their chase, with four wickets down for just 32 runs in 5.4 overs.
Shafique’s remarkable catch was marred by his subsequent gesture, prompting Akram to recall Shafique’s fielding mishaps during the Australia tour in December 2023, which proved costly for Pakistan.
“Jo 36 catch Australia mein chhod kar aaye uska kaun jawab dega (Who is answerable to those dropped catches in Australia?),” questioned Akram.
Shafique entered the game as a substitute fielder, positioned at slip as David Wiese delivered the final ball of the powerplay to Imad Wasim. The ball veered away from Imad, angling to the left of Shafique, who swiftly dove to secure a superb catch. In a moment of celebration, Shafique placed his index finger on his lips, effectively “silencing his critics.”
“Brilliant catch indeed. But someone tell him, cricket chhodo te aake drame wich kamm karo (Leave cricket and work in some drama company). He should speak about the catches he dropped in Australia if he wants to silence the critics by putting his fingers on his lips, or whatever it was…,” he added.
While Akram minced no words in his assessment, former batsman Azhar Ali, a fellow panellist, suggested that Shafique’s gesture might have stemmed from frustration due to limited opportunities in the current season.
Shafique’s performance garnered criticism:
Shafique’s dismal performances in Australia drew sharp criticism. The Pakistani cricketer faced severe backlash for his dropped catches during the three-match Test series Down Under. In the second Test at the MCG, he failed to hold on to catches from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. His lackluster display on the field prompted former Australia captain Mark Waugh, who was in the commentary box, to comment disparagingly, likening Shafique’s attempts to “a crocodile jaw trying to catch the ball.”
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