Former cricket legends Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar voiced their outrage at Pakistan’s defeat in the Champions Trophy, criticizing the PCB for poor player selections and management. Akram called for drastic changes and emphasized the introduction of new players, while Akhtar labeled the management as clueless and lacking direction, stressing the need to develop a stronger, skillful team for future tournaments.
Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar expressed their intense frustration following Pakistan’s early elimination from the Champions Trophy. After losing their first two matches as the defending champions and the host nation, both cricket legends criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selection committee for their decisions. The situation mirrors past performances, with Pakistan previously finishing fifth in two World Cups, raising concerns about the team’s direction and management.
On “Sports Central,” Akram called for significant reforms, urging PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to scrutinize the squad selection. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current roster, advocating for the introduction of new, fearless players, and emphasized the urgency of preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Akram highlighted alarming statistics, noting that the Pakistani bowling team’s average is one of the worst among international teams, calling the selection choices into question.
Akram criticized Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership, remarking on the players’ lack of competitive spirit during the match against India. He pointed out that the body language of the team was poor, especially during crucial moments of the game, leading to early exits of disappointed fans. He stressed that effective leadership is essential for any team’s success, and the disconnect was evident.
Shoaib Akhtar echoed Akram’s sentiments, labeling the current management as “brainless and clueless.” He criticized the strategy of selecting only five bowlers while acknowledging that modern teams commonly deploy six. Akhtar expressed concern over the players’ lack of direction entering the tournament, emphasizing their inability to match the skills of key Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, ultimately blaming the management for the team’s performance.
Akram and Akhtar’s strong criticisms highlight significant issues within the Pakistan cricket structure. Their calls for reform emphasize the need for a fresh approach and better management to enhance the performance of the national team. With the impending 2026 T20 World Cup, immediate action is crucial for rebuilding and restoring the team’s competitive edge.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
