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Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram is renowned for helping young fast bowlers. The 60-year-old recently spoke to the 1 Mint Podcast, where he was asked about ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

The left-arm seamer from Baroda made his debut in 2003, the same year Akram played his last international game. In fact, Akram was on commentary duties when the young Indian player impressed everyone by dismissing Matthew Hayden during the 2003 Adelaide Test.

Wasim recalled his early meeting with Irfan and said, “I met him in 2004, during India’s tour of Australia. He was a huge fan of mine and had grown up watching me. I gave him a few tips, and he did well early in his career. I worked in India for 8-10 years. His bowling action was similar to mine.”

“When players ask you about a specific thing, then you have to tell them about the mindset. After a certain stage in your career, when you are playing for your country, wrist position and how to work out a batter, and when to use variations, all these things naturally come to a bowler. Irfan is a good boy, and we still meet.”

Having started with a bang, the India star soon suffered a slide which saw him play his last international game at the age of 27. Injuries and loss of form impacted his career. After his retirement, Irfan has become a commentator and a cricket pundit. He also played for Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitalsand Chennai Super Kings.

Pathan likes to have a bit of fun on social media during India vs Pakistan matches. Speaking about this, Akram said, “It is a different matter that he keeps tweeting about Pakistan, but we are also ready with our replies.”

Akram recalls fan attack on Kris Srikkanth

In the same podcast, the host highlighted the massive fandom cricket has in both countries. Akram recalled ex-opener Kris Srikkanth getting attacked during a game in Pakistan in the late 80s.

“It happened in Karachi. I was playing in that game in 1989. Somebody jumped into the stadium, and they (India) were fielding, and it looked really bad. I cannot understand. It is only a game, man. Somebody has to win; somebody has to lose. Move on to the next one.”