Pakistan’s cricket legend Wasim Akram has credited former captain Imran Khan for shaping his career, while describing the World Cup-winning skipper as hardworking rather than naturally gifted.
Speaking on the Stick To Cricket podcast hosted by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, David Lloyd, and Phil Tufnell, the “Sultan of Swing” said Imran led from the front and gave his teammates immense confidence.
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“Whatever I did as a cricketer, on and off the field, credit goes to him. He was the best captain I played under,” Akram said.
Akram recalled that while people often called him naturally talented, Imran succeeded through sheer determination.
“Skipper wasn’t talented. He worked hard. He even changed his bowling action in 1976 — something that can take months or never work — but he did it because he was so determined,” he added.
The former fast bowler revealed that Imran demanded full commitment from his players, tolerating mistakes but never laziness.
“At times, he shouted at us if we were lazy. But if you gave 100% and didn’t do well, he was fine with it,” Akram noted.
Akram, who made his Pakistan debut in 1984 under Imran’s captaincy, said the legendary all-rounder mentored him early in his career. Together, the duo played a crucial role in Pakistan’s iconic 1992 World Cup triumph.
