Dubai, Sep 15: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on the national team’s performance in the Asia Cup, claiming their standard has fallen below club-level cricket.
Speaking on Tapmad’s post-match analysis show after Pakistan’s heavy defeat, the Rawalpindi Express said the side lacked both quality and strategy.
“Whether batting first or second, Pakistan couldn’t have scored more than 130 runs and that’s exactly what happened,” Akhtar remarked bluntly.Interestingly, the legendary pacer said he did not find the display “disappointing” as he believed such results were inevitable given the current state of Pakistan cricket. However, he pointed to a rare positive in the form of young spinner Saim Ayub, who impressed with figures of three for 35.
“At least we discovered a new spinner in Saim Ayub, and that’s a very good sign,” he noted.Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, also on the panel, asked if Akhtar was being serious with his assessment. The reply was cutting. “The difference is clear now. Other teams are playing at a very high level, but we can’t even manage club-level cricket,” Akhtar retorted.Continuing his criticism, the 48-year-old highlighted the lack of tactical awareness among Pakistani batters.
“This performance shows the actual state of our cricket. There’s no strategy, they can’t rotate strike, and we don’t have quality batters. Just look at someone like Suryakumar Yadav — he sweeps, cuts, and still keeps rotating the strike. That’s the standard we’re lacking,” he said.
Akhtar’s fiery remarks come at a time when Pakistan cricket faces mounting pressure after a string of poor results in major tournaments.
Akhtar’s explosive comments underline the growing frustration among Pakistan’s cricketing greats and fans alike, as the team struggles to find consistency on the international stage. With questions now being raised over both talent and temperament, the Asia Cup debacle has once again exposed the widening gulf between Pakistan and the world’s elite sides — a gap that will demand urgent reforms if the men in green are to restore their lost pride. (Agencies)
