If I were in think tank, then I will have him in the squad all the time – Wasim Akram on Umran Malik

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has stated he would have backed Umran Malik in the Indian team if he was part of the team’s management. Malik has impressed with his raw pace and had bowled consistently around the 145 kmph mark in the IPL while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The youngster had scalped 22 wickets in the lucrative tournament while playing for the Orange Army in 14 matches. He had also scalped a five-wicket haul against eventual champions Gujarat Titans in the league stage.

After his impressive performances in the IPL, Malik received his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the five-match series against South Africa but didn’t get to make his debut. However, he finally played his maiden match against Ireland. Malik was taken for runs against the Irish team and in one T20I he played against England.

He took two wickets in three matches but conceded his runs at a high economy rate of 12.44. Thus, he was not backed by the national selectors for the following series against West Indies, Zimbabwe, and then the Asia Cup.

“You see that guy? Umran Malik, he is quick. India took him to Ireland and he got hammered. It happens in T20, but you got to stick with him. If I were in think tank, then I will have him in the squad all the time. The more he plays, the better he will become. Experience in Twenty20 matters a lot,” Akram told reporters.

Akram added that the T20 format is not for the bowlers as they will get hammered in the four overs they bowl.

“Unfortunately, the Twenty20 format is not for bowlers. The format is the need of the hour, it is entertaining and it’s picked up worldwide. Bowlers should understand that they will be hammered once in a while, which they do now,” Akram added.

“Flat decks become one-dimensional. The pitches in Dubai offered a bit for the bowlers and once it is set then the next day it is better for batters. That should be the future of the format.”

India and Pakistan will take on each other in the T20 World Cup at the MCG on 23rd October.