Akhtar blamed the team management for Pakistan’s struggles, saying their lack of direction affected the players as well
24 February, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar strongly criticised the national team’s management following their heavy loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
In a video posted on his social media account on ‘X,’ Akhtar expressed frustration over Pakistan’s poor planning and decision-making, especially their selection choices.
"I am not disappointed because I already knew what was going to happen when you don’t select a fifth bowler. The world is playing with six bowlers, and you can’t even select five. You take two all-rounders with you—I don’t know what you’re thinking," he said.
Akhtar blamed the team management for Pakistan’s struggles, saying their lack of direction affected the players as well.
"It’s just a brainless and cruel management, and I am really disappointed. What can we even say about the players? The management is like this, so the players are the same. They have no clue what they are supposed to do," he added.
He also questioned the players’ approach, saying they lacked both intent and the necessary skills.
"Intent is one thing, but they don’t even understand their skillset. In fact, they don’t even have a skillset. Do you think they will play lofted shots like Virat or Shubman? Really disappointing. Neither do they understand anything, nor does the management. They just went there to play," he said.
While criticising Pakistan, Akhtar praised Virat Kohli for his brilliant innings that helped India win the match.
"Hats off to Virat Kohli—he is a superstar, a white-ball run chaser, a modern-day great. There is no doubt about it. And I am really happy for him. He is an honest guy. He has also completed 14,000 runs. This guy has achieved it all, and he deserves all the praise," Akhtar said.
Pakistan’s loss to India was their second consecutive defeat in the tournament after they were beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi.
Batting first, Pakistan struggled to set a challenging total and were bowled out for 241 in the final over. Saud Shakeel fought hard with a half-century, but the total was not enough.
Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s new opening pair, gave a steady start with a 41-run partnership. However, Hardik Pandya removed Babar for 23, and Imam was run out by Axar Patel, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 in 9.2 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel then added 104 runs to stabilise the innings. Rizwan scored 46 before being bowled by Axar, while Saud top-scored with 62 before getting out eight balls later.
India chased the target with ease, winning the match by six wickets with 45 balls remaining. Kohli remained unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 56 off 67 balls to secure the victory.
Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in their final group match on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
