Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has unleashed a scathing critique of the national cricket team's current state, highlighting poor player performance, lack of technical skills, and indecisive team management, the 24NewsHd TV channel on Wednesday.
Speaking with a tinge of sarcasm, Akhtar suggested that the squad requires a complete rebuild—even if the process takes two decades.
“This team needs rebuilding, and even if it takes 20 years, that’s fine. There’s no issue with that,” said Akhtar, underlining his frustration over the team’s failure to meet international standards.
It is pertinent that Bangladesh sealed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan with an 8-run victory in the second match.
Chasing a modest target of 134 runs, Pakistan crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 126.
Akhtar expressed deep concern over the management’s inability to finalise a consistent playing XI.
He criticized the persistent experimentation and lack of clarity, which he believes are contributing factors to the team’s ongoing struggles.
“You don’t even know your playing XI. These players aren’t skilled enough. Saim didn’t perform, Fakhar didn’t perform. On these kinds of pitches, their style of play simply doesn’t work,” he remarked.
The 49-year-old speedster emphasised that many of today’s players rely too heavily on brute power rather than solid technique and proper timing.
“These are tough wickets. These guys are power hitters; they’re not players who rely on timing. On such surfaces, the ball doesn’t come nicely onto the bat, the pace isn’t the same, and you won’t get a good bounce off the pitch,” he explained.
Akhtar went on to contrast the current generation of cricketers with legendary figures of the past.
“Adapting to difficult conditions is what makes a player great. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ijaz Ahmed, and Zaheer Abbas all scored runs in similar conditions,” he concluded.