Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wakal Eunice emphasizes the importance of passion and competitive spirit in cricket, urging players to prioritize the game over financial incentives and external distractions.
In discussions about the evolving thinking of modern cricketers, Wakal reflected the sacrifices needed for his own career and excellent excellence at the highest level.
“In our time, cricket was everything. We didn’t think about money or fame. We just wanted to be the best of what we did,” Wakal said. “When you focus on the game, everything else (contracts, sponsorships, and support) naturally follows.”
Compared to the current generation of players with his time, Wakal pointed to a change in priorities. He noted that while talent remains abundant, players today often face greater distractions.
“It’s not just about skills. It’s about thinking. If cricket is really your passion, everything else will be secondary. But when financial gains take priority over the game itself, performance and longevity will be compromised.”
He emphasized the importance of first-class cricket in the development of fast bowlers, recalling the way that he and his contemporaries bowled considerably more in domestic cricket than many modern payers.
“By the time I was 25 I bowled over 4,000 over in first class cricket. That workload built my endurance and skills. Today, you see players rest frequently, which can sometimes hinder their development,” he said.
While modern games continue to evolve, Younis believes that true success comes from an unwavering commitment to crafting. “After all, cricket is about competition, hard work and the desire to be the best. Everything else has to be secondary.”