Kamran Akmal calls for changes in Pakistan team after T20I defeat

Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal urged the Pakistan cricket team to prioritize performance after their loss in the second T20I against England in Birmingham.

Chasing 184, Pakistan was all out for 160 in 19.2 overs, marking their eighth defeat to England in the last 11 matches.

Akmal criticized the team's reliance on certain players despite poor form and emphasized the need to give opportunities to other players on the bench.

"The difference between Pakistan and England is this, they came up with a brilliant plan, the way they defended the target with their bowling despite Pakistan having a deep batting lineup," Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

“Pakistan isn’t coming out of the circle, we are still thinking that Shadab has to play, so he plays. He has been playing for 2.5 years with this form and performance but this is Pakistan’s team, not of some region or club,” he added.

He also called on coach Gary Kirsten to make necessary changes and drop underperforming players.

“Gary Kirsten has come, he should think about the form [of certain players]. Saim Ayub has been playing for 20 matches, look at his form, other players are also here to play, and they too have come with performances. You have taken 15 players with you so play them. Don’t think that the people of Pakistan will not say anything no matter what you do,” he said.

 “I was expecting more from Gary as he has been a great coach. If they [the players] aren’t changing, then he should show his power. This is what the management should do. Please come out of friendships. Play the deserving ones, tell me why Abrar [Ahmed] still isn’t playing?” he added.

Akmal expressed disappointment in the team's inability to win against strong opponents and called for a shift in mindset to improve Pakistan's cricketing standards.

“Should we start thinking that Pakistan doesn’t have the ability to win against big teams? Or the management needs to start thinking about the team. Everyone plays for themselves but if you don’t think of the team and start playing good cricket, how can you increase the level of your cricket?” he questioned.