Wasim Akram Backs Younis Khan for Test Coaching Role, Hails PSL Talent

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has voiced his support for Younis Khan, the former captain, as a strong contender for the head coach position of Pakistan’s Test cricket team.

During an event held in Karachi, Akram shared his insights on the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 and provided his perspective on the future coaching structure of the national cricket team.

“Younis Khan possesses the capabilities to be an excellent batting coach for red-ball cricket. The new coach has the potential to reshape the mindset of the younger players,” Akram stated.

“The incoming coach will introduce a novel strategy to the Pakistan team,” he further commented.

The former left-arm bowler also lauded several remarkable performances in the PSL, emphasizing the emergence of promising players.

“Hasan Nawaz left a mark in the PSL. Salman Mirza and Ali Raza also showcased strong performances with their bowling,” he noted.

Highlighting the significance of patience, Akram, aged 58, emphasized that players should receive sufficient time to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket.

“Players need to be given adequate time to adjust to T20 cricket,” he mentioned.

Regarding cricket relations between India and Pakistan, Akram adopted a cautious approach, saying, “I am unable to provide any commentary on potential developments in Pakistan-India cricket.”

It is worth noting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously appointed Aqib Javed as the red-ball coach, succeeding former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie.

Aqib held the position of interim head coach for all formats until Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in April.

Recently, Aqib was appointed as Director of High Performance, while former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson assumed the role of Pakistan’s white-ball coach.

Notably, Hesson’s inaugural assignment as head coach involves a three-match T20I home series against Bangladesh, scheduled from May 28 to June 1.

The Bangladesh team, under the leadership of Litton Das, has arrived in Pakistan and is set to commence training in preparation for the upcoming series.

Meanwhile, the Men in Green will proceed with their white-ball series before commencing their first red-ball campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

Following the 2025 Asia Cup in September, Pakistan is slated to host South Africa in October for a Test series consisting of two matches, along with three ODIs and three T20Is.