Anybody who has read Akram's autobiography knows that Pakistan's Captain and arguably best ever bowler has scant respect for unarguably Pakistan's greatest batsmen, both as an individual and as a cricketer. He does not even include him alongside the greatest players of his time, an honor he reserves for the likes of Gooch etc. So you knew that all that was needed was for Akram to achieve some success and feel comfortable in his role, and then he would start calling the shots. Every successful Captain in Pakistan has done this, Imran did it all the time with team selection, even Salim Malik did it when he was captain and Ijaz Ahmed was recalled into the team. In those particular instances the team actually prospered, Imran is widely acknowledged as one of Pakistan's best captains, and Ijaz has played many a great innings since his return.
Lets hope the same holds true again.
I am a great fan of Miandad's and I am crushed to see him treated shabbily yet again by Pakistan cricket. But at this point in time, my only interest is seeing Pakistan win the World Cup. Hence, the title of this piece. Akram and Mehmood have ruffled a lot of feathers around Pakistani cricket circles, if they do not deliver, believe me, there will be a price to pay. Until 1996 Pakistan had reached at least the semi-final stage in the four previous competitions.