Shoaib Akhtar cautions Pakistan against taking Afghanistan lightly

Former Pakistan cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, has issued a stern warning to the Pakistan cricket team ahead of their crucial 2023 World Cup clash against Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday. 

While talking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar expressed his dissatisfaction with Pakistan's performance against Australia and directed his criticism toward the team's captain, Babar Azam, who has been struggling with form throughout the tournament. Akhtar emphasized the importance of big players delivering in significant matches and pointed out Babar's failure to do so.

“Winning the toss and electing to bowl, why? Score 320, give bowlers a chance. Maybe they could've bowled them out. Babar Azam, a great player but again, great players need to play great innings. You can't make yourself a big name by not performing against big nations. You have to show you can score big runs in big games,” Akhtar said. 

Regarding Pakistan's upcoming match against Afghanistan, Akhtar cautioned the team to take their neighbors seriously. He stressed on the spinning conditions of Chennai.

“Afghanistan is a strong team. If you want to save yourself from embarrassment... I'm not saying Afghanistan is a bad team, they are at par with Pakistan. Don't take them lightly. The match is in Chennai, the ball will turn. It's favourable conditions for Afghanistan. I'm sure Pakistan will pick their pieces up. Please go out there and play with your heart,” he concluded.