Former national cricketer Basit Ali has come down hard on Wasim Akram for his delayed show of solidarity during the ongoing Pakistan-India tensions. Akram’s tweet, which came after the official ceasefire announcement between the two nations, has drawn significant criticism.
Wasim Akram, in his tweet, expressed support for Pakistan’s armed forces, stating, “We stand with our armed forces, who have responded to the enemy’s aggression.” He added, “As they say, ‘War occurs when language fails,’ so dialogues and resolving disputes will benefit the youth across borders. Peace is what we all want! Pakistan Zindabad.”
Akram’s tweet came after the official declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which many have found inappropriate given the timing. His late intervention has led to criticism, particularly for staying silent during the peak of the crisis.
Former cricketer Basit Ali criticized Akram, saying, “Remaining silent during crucial moments and then speaking up when the situation calms down… where is the bravery in that? Cricketers should raise their voices during the nation’s difficult times, not after everything has settled.”
On social media, Wasim Akram has faced backlash for only expressing support for the military after the ceasefire. This delayed support has sparked a wider debate on the role of public figures in times of national crisis.
Meanwhile, with the ceasefire in place, the chances of completing the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have increased. Foreign players have been advised to stay in Dubai, and the possibility of holding the remaining eight PSL matches in Rawalpindi is being considered by the tournament organizers.
