Former Pakistan captain and fast bowling great Wasim Akram once again took aim at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), slamming it for treating national players like “schoolboys” with its disciplinary measures.

Akram, who was joined by former pace protege Shoaib Akhtar at the launch of the Wasim Akram Foundation in Karachi, said the constant policing by the cricket board had stunted the development of the players.

“Discipline is one thing but too much stress on it can also lead to some players losing confidence because of it,” Akram told reporters gathered at the launch of his foundation.

According to the 49-year-old, who now works as a television commentator and coaches the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders, it was vital for young Pakistani players to interact with other international players and be given some sort of freedom to explore while on tours.

“Our players unfortunately are being treated like schoolboys in the name of discipline and this is hurting their confidence and growth as professional sportsmen and persons,” Akram, who himself was fast-tracked into the national team as a teenager, said.

The curbs on Pakistan's players were strictly enforced after the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England but Akram said the disaster itself was a result of players being insular.

Shoaib Akhtar, who had his fair share of run-ins with the PCB, said cricket administrators in the country did not encourage players to become superstars with their imposing attitude.

“Players need to be given freedom and a chance to become superstars through their performances and attitude. It is only when a player becomes a superstar that he becomes a brand and that will only increase the value of Pakistan cricket for others,” Akhtar said.

Discipline has been a major issue for Pakistan and most recently young batsmen Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal were axed from the squad with the PCB citing “non-cricketing reasons” for the decision.

The fielding coach of Pakistan, Grant Luden, threatened to resign from his post during the 2015 World Cup after three senior players reportedly misbehaved with him.

Luden complained about the misconduct of star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, opener Shehzad and wicket-keeper batsman Umar Akmal, and conveyed his reservations to the board.

According to a report in April, Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq and coach Waqar Younis wanted the Pakistan PCB to sideline Shehzad and Umar from the national team for at least a year to force them to improve their attitudes.