At present, the biggest name in fast bowling in international cricket is Australia’s left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Starc. The 35-year old fast bowler recently surpassed former Pakistan Test captain Wasim Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets during the Ashes series.

However, despite Starc achieving this milestone, Australian media and former Test cricketers, while expressing their views on Wasim Akram’s bowling and achievements, have stated that Wasim Akram’s class and unique stature are unmatched and have no substitute.

Wasim Akram, the Player of the Match in the World Cup final played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 25 March 1992, represented Pakistan in international cricket from 1984 to 2003.

The left-arm fast bowler claimed 414 wickets in 104 Test matches and 502 wickets in 356 One-Day Internationals, which remain the finest bowling performances by a Pakistani bowler in international cricket. At present, no one appears anywhere close to matching these achievements. This is precisely why the performances of one of the greatest fast bowlers of his era continue to stand out prominently in the cricketing world even today.

In international cricket, Wasim Akram is currently serving as a cricket commentator and is regarded as one of the finest commentators of the present time. Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) engaged the legendary fast bowler for programs held in New York (USA) and London (England) in connection with the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Now, PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has announced the appointment of Wasim Akram as the Brand Ambassador for the PSL. In fact, by engaging the cricketing legend with the board, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has taken a positive step. In the past, Wasim Akram has also served as a PSL ambassador and has been associated with Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United.

The legendary fast bowler, who represented English county sides Lancashire and Hampshire, dismissed 1,042 batsmen in 257 first-class matches, delivering 50,277 balls. Wasim Akram has complete mastery over the art of fast bowling.

In 2013, then PCB Chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf organized a fast bowlers’ camp at the National Stadium Karachi under Wasim Akram’s supervision. During the camp, the legendary fast bowler provided comprehensive guidance to the fast bowlers and shared valuable advice based on his vast experience.

This September, during the Asia Cup, I met Wasim Akram at the media center, where I presented him with my book SCORE. We also discussed the issues facing Pakistan’s fast bowling and the challenges confronting fast bowlers. The legendary fast bowler is always willing to train Pakistani fast bowlers and to raise awareness about helping them enjoy longer careers; however, this cannot be done by him alone.

The cricket board should benefit from this priceless fast-bowling asset. In Pakistan, fast bowlers have largely become limited to four-over cricket. In Test and One-Day cricket, our fast bowlers struggle with fitness issues. In this context, there is no better guide for our fast bowlers than Wasim Akram.

Having spent 19 years in international cricket, the board needs to make a clear decision regarding Wasim Akram so that Pakistan cricket can develop a proper roadmap for fast bowling. Wasim Akram is the best possible choice as a cricket consultant and mentor for fast bowlers.