Former Pakistan star fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar severely criticised the national team’s performance and cricket management following Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to arch-rivals India in the group-stage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo.
Speaking to a media channel after the loss, Akhtar questioned not only the players’ performance but also the leadership and administration of Pakistan cricket. He expressed frustration over what he described as poor decision-making at the top level.
The former speedster criticised the process of elevating certain players to star status without consistent performances to back it up. “Brother, when you make these kinds of stars, when you choose them, when you pick them, then you’ll have this problem only,” he remarked.
Akhtar further stressed that appointing incompetent individuals to key positions was damaging to the sport. Pakistan’s defeat to India has intensified scrutiny on both the team’s performance and the cricket board’s management, with fans and former players voicing strong reactions in the aftermath of the high-profile encounter.
Couple of changes expected in next match against Namibia
On the other hand, Pakistan are set to ring in changes for their final group-stage fixture against Namibia in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with senior players likely to be rested.
The must-win encounter is scheduled to take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground on Wednesday. A victory will confirm Pakistan’s qualification for the Super Eights stage.
However, even a rain-affected result could be sufficient to see the 2009 champions progress.
Sources indicate that the team management has expressed disappointment over the performances of several experienced players in recent matches. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding the possibility of resting captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Namibia clash.
Two to three changes are being considered in the playing XI as the management looks to test its bench strength and inject fresh energy into the side ahead of the knockout rounds.
The speculation follows Pakistan’s underwhelming performance against arch-rivals India’s national cricket team on Sunday, where the team struggled with both bat and ball.
Read more: Pakistan’s World Cup hopes hang in balance
