NEW DELHI, April 9: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticised Indian cricket board’s decision to put a cap on players’ earnings, saying the move to restrict endorsements was akin to treating the senior players ‘as kids’.

“It is a joke the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is limiting players from signing endorsements. You can't be treating senior players like Sachin Tendulkar as kids,” said Wasim, who captured 414 Test and a world record 502 ODI wickets during an illustrious career. “If some senior players advised the board to stop endorsements, then it is wrong. Jealousy factor is very clear.”

“As a cricketer, I always looked forward to playing for my country. If you are good enough, endorsements will come. It’s not money but the recognition that matters. Of course, money should not affect your game, but form and endorsements are not related,” he added.

“Can you tell David Beckham that all your endorsements are being withdrawn as you haven't scored a goal in two years?” Wasim, regarded as the greatest left-arm paceman of all time, questioned.

In the wake of Indian cricket team's poor performance in the World Cup, the BCCI decided to scrap players’ contract system and restrict their endorsements to three. India crashed out in the first round of the World Cup, losing two of the three group matches.

Wasim expressed financial stability of athletes is very important, adding the BCCI should rethink its decision. “Cricket is a mental game and a player will perform only when he is mentally comfortable that his efforts are being rewarded.”

Meanwhile, Wasim lauded the BCCI for retaining Rahul Dravid as captain for the next three tours and appointing Ravi Shastri, as the team manager for the tour of Bangladesh starting on May 10. “It's a bold decision. The couple of senior players who were dreaming to be captain again in place of Dravid have been put in their places. Dravid is a good captain and improving. He may be lacking in confidence but he will get better.”

He said players like Ravi be more actively involved. His coming, even for a short span, will help. May be in future, there is a bigger role for him in Indian cricket.

Wasim was critical of Greg Chappell's role as Indian coach but gave kudos to the BCCI on their proposal to give him directorship of their National Cricket Academy. “So what if he (Chappell) failed as coach? He is organised and young players will learn Aussie aggression and passion from him. Indian cricket needs hunger for success and who better than Chappell to instil that?” –Agencies