Pakistan’s ongoing struggles in international cricket have drawn intense backlash, with former cricketer Kamran Akmal launching a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and chairman Mohsin Naqvi. His remarks came after Pakistan surrendered the ODI series to New Zealand with a game to spare, following an 84-run defeat in the second match at Hamilton.
The Men in Green were in a dominant position early on, having reduced the hosts to 132/5. However, a spirited partnership between Mitchell Hay (99*) and Muhammad Abbas (41) turned the tide, lifting New Zealand to a competitive 292/8. Pakistan’s bowlers failed to capitalize on the helpful bowling conditions, prompting a frustrated Akmal to slam the team’s lack of discipline and tactical awareness.
“If Pakistan bowlers can’t bowl on such a turf, where will they deliver? In Asia, they say there is nothing for bowlers. On venues where something is on offer, they don’t do anything. Should they play disabled players against us? We don’t know where to bowl. It means there should be a change,” he said.
Akmal reserved his harshest criticism for PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, calling on him to step down if he’s unable to reverse the team’s decline. “It is shameful. The PCB chairman should think that if he can’t control, he should resign and leave. Don’t ruin your reputation. If you don’t want to do that, then improve the status of the current team,” he said on his YouTube channel.
The former wicketkeeper batter did not mince his words while describing the team’s batting collapse. Pakistan were reeling at 65/6 in the 21st over when Faheem Ashraf mounted a counterattack, scoring 73 off 80 deliveries. Naseem Shah, who came in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf, contributed a fiery 51 off 44 balls to drag Pakistan to a total of 208. However, the recovery was not enough to alter the outcome of the match.
Akmal acknowledged Faheem’s rescue act but emphasized the misplaced expectations from tailenders. “Faheem Ashraf saved us. We don’t need runs from Naseem; we need wickets from him. Our batters don’t have any idea. When Babar got out, the batting lineup got exposed. I didn’t see anyone regret the result, apart from the coach. You are destroying Pakistan’s cricket,” he added.
With the ODI series already lost, Pakistan’s final game at Bay Oval will be a matter of pride rather than competition. The recent run of poor performances, including the T20I failures and early exit from the Champions Trophy, paints a grim picture for Pakistan cricket. The public outcry, led by Kamran Akmal, signals growing frustration with the current leadership and an urgent need for overhaul within the team and administration alike.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
