Legendary bowler Wasim Akram is facing scrutiny as former teammates Aamer Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed criticize his decisions during the 1999 World Cup final.
The controversy surrounding Akram’s reignited on March 14, 2025, in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Old videos have resurfaced in which Ijaz Ahmed criticizes Wasim Akram’s decision to toss in the 1999 World Cup final loss to Australia. “Even a street cricketer wouldn’t choose to bat first after rain,” he stated, reflecting on the ignored advice and the absence of a team meeting. Reportedly, Imran Khan told him after the toss, “You’ve already lost.”
Wasim Akram made wrong call on toss in 1999 final that too without any team meeting. Imran told me on toss Pakistan has lost.
~ Ijaz Ahmed
Everyone exposing each other.
pic.twitter.com/DipaLQJueR
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) March 14, 2025Aamer Sohail’s Critique
Sohail escalated the Wasim Akram controversy, claiming Akram’s leadership cost Pakistan the 1992, 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups. “He ensured we didn’t win after ’92,” Sohail said, hinting at deeper issues needing investigation, despite Akram’s 2019 Hilal-e-Imtiaz honor.
Real reason behind 1999 WC final loss
👇 https://t.co/N5Olkdehdl pic.twitter.com/A3asf8Aj63
— صالح (@iisaleh97) March 13, 2025The 1990s team has been blamed for Pakistan’s recent struggles, intensified by the Champions Trophy flop. Akram’s toss decision to bat first on a tricky pitch remains a sore point, fueling debates over his legacy as captain and strategist.
Read: Wasim Akram Terms Pakistan Cricket Team “Even Poorer Than Oman, USA”
The Wasim Akram controversy revisits a pivotal moment in Pakistan cricket history. As past and present collide, it questions Akram’s impact, stirring fans and analysts to reassess his storied career.
