Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not hide his disappointment after Pakistan’s crushing six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. Reflecting on the defeat, Akhtar stated that he had anticipated this outcome due to questionable selection choices and a lack of depth in Pakistan’s squad.
Speaking on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Akhtar remarked, “People think I am disappointed, but I am not surprised. I saw this coming. Other teams are playing with six bowlers, yet Pakistan struggles to manage five. Relying on all-rounders without a clear strategy is a major concern.”
He criticized the team’s management, calling them “brainless and clueless” for their decisions. According to Akhtar, the players also appeared directionless, lacking the necessary skills and approach to compete at the highest level. Comparing them to Indian batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, he pointed out that Pakistan’s batters were playing risky aerial shots without the same level of control and technique. He lamented that neither the management nor the players seemed to have a clear game plan for the match.
I'm not disappointed at all. pic.twitter.com/Hmc38V03KJ
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025
Reluctance to Discuss Pakistan Cricket
During a discussion on a Pakistani TV channel post-match, Akhtar made a striking admission. He revealed that if he were not being compensated, he would not have even been present to analyze the game. “If I wasn’t getting paid, I wouldn’t be sitting here or talking about Pakistan cricket,” he said bluntly.
He explained that his connection with cricket now was only due to professional commitments, as he had grown tired of discussing the same issues repeatedly. Since 2011, he had voiced concerns about Pakistan’s cricketing problems, but nothing seemed to change.
Akhtar further criticized Pakistan’s leadership, arguing that appointing unqualified individuals to key positions had led to the team’s current struggles. “If you let unfit and inexperienced people lead, this is the result,” he remarked. His comments underscored his frustration with Pakistan’s continued inability to build a competitive team despite years of warnings from experts like him.
Give him Pakistan and he will come back in form with a match winning 100. #Kohli pic.twitter.com/6eGq048PmF
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025
Pakistan’s Batting and Bowling Struggles
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first at the Dubai International Stadium but managed only 242 runs. Their batting lineup, historically inconsistent, once again failed to deliver a solid performance. Even more concerning was the bowling department, which lacked the aggression and sharpness traditionally associated with Pakistan cricket.
Apart from spinner Abrar Ahmed, none of the bowlers were able to trouble the Indian batters. India, led by Virat Kohli’s outstanding century (his 51st off just 111 balls), chased the target comfortably, securing an eight-wicket victory. Pakistan’s loss highlighted deep-rooted issues within the squad, leaving fans and former cricketers like Akhtar deeply frustrated.
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