Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has delivered strong criticism of the country’s cricket leadership following Pakistan’s disappointing loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup. Without directly naming anyone, his remarks were widely interpreted as a sharp attack on Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Akhtar questioned the decision-making at the top level, arguing that placing inexperienced individuals in key positions can damage an entire sporting system.
Pakistan’s Defeat Sparks Debate
The criticism came after Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat to the India national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. India posted a strong total of 175 for 7 in 20 overs, putting Pakistan under pressure from the start.
In response, the Pakistan national cricket team struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 114 runs in 18 overs. The comprehensive loss triggered intense debate among fans and analysts about team selection, leadership, and long-term planning.
Performance Concerns Across Departments
Pakistan’s batting collapse and lack of control in the bowling department raised questions about the balance and consistency of the squad. Many observers felt the team looked underprepared against a well-organized Indian side that executed its plans effectively.
Akhtar’s Strong Remarks on Leadership
During an interview with an Indian news channel, Akhtar used a striking analogy. He said that appointing someone unfamiliar with cricket to run the board is similar to making a cricketer the chairman of a news channel, someone who would not understand how media operations work.
His comments highlighted concerns about governance and expertise at the administrative level. According to Akhtar, leadership decisions at the top directly impact team performance and overall direction.
“Incompetence at the Top Is a Major Crime”
Akhtar went further by stating that giving a major position to an unqualified person is one of the biggest mistakes any institution can make. He warned that poor leadership can gradually lead to the decline of even the strongest organizations.
Although he did not take names, the timing of his remarks made it clear that they were linked to recent decisions within Pakistan cricket management.
Criticism of Senior Players’ Roles
Akhtar also appeared to take aim at senior players without mentioning them directly. His remarks were widely seen as criticism of captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi.
He suggested that players who are unable to win matches consistently or complete demanding spells should not be labeled as superstars. The statement sparked fresh discussion about expectations from senior players and their roles in high-pressure tournaments.
Growing Pressure on Pakistan Cricket
Calls for Structural Reforms
The defeat and subsequent criticism have intensified calls for structural changes within Pakistan cricket. Fans and former players are demanding better planning, clearer selection policies, and a stronger long-term vision to compete with top international sides.
A Crucial Phase Ahead
With major tournaments ahead, Pakistan cricket faces a critical period of reflection. Leadership decisions, player form, and team strategy will all come under close scrutiny. Akhtar’s outspoken comments have added fuel to an already heated debate about the future direction of the national team.
Conclusion
Shoaib Akhtar’s blunt remarks reflect growing frustration over Pakistan’s recent performances and administrative decisions. While his criticism was indirect, it clearly targeted issues of leadership competence and player accountability. As Pakistan looks to rebuild confidence after the defeat to India, the pressure on both management and senior players is likely to increase in the coming weeks.
