By Sudipto Ganguly, Reuters Not playing the Indian Premier League is the reason behind England's struggles in the shorter formats, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said, a day after England great Ian Botham called for the rich Twenty20 competition to be scrapped. England were thumped 4-1 in Australia in their one-day international series at the beginning of the year and also lost recent series at home against Sri Lanka and India. Critics have flayed England's strategy and selections for the shorter formats, with some suggesting that the team does not care about anything other than test cricket. Struggling: England's lack of involvement in the IPL is hurting them in limited overs formats, says Wasim Akram
@highlight
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram says IPL would help England
@highlight
England players miss the Indian tournament due to its clash with summer
@highlight
Kevin Pietersen was the only Englishman in this year's T20 tournament
@highlight
England legend Ian Botham has called for the IPL to be scrapped
@highlight
England have already lost the current ODI series with India 3-0
While former @placeholder all-rounder Botham believes the franchise-based IPL has become too powerful and could be fuelling corruption in the game, Akram thinks not playing in the tournament is hurting England.