Shoaib Akhtar has slammed selectors after they announced Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, which was announced on Thursday, September 16. The former cricketer was unhappy with the middle order for the global T20 event Down Under.
The squad features left-handed batter Shan Masood, who is yet to make his T20I debut, while Haider Ali has also earned a call-up for the first time since December 2021. Shoaib Akhtar was left furious at squad selection as he lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief selector Mohammad Wasim and the present head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Friday, Akhtar opined that Pakistan had one issue to solve – middle order batting, but took poor calls before putting forth a disappointing squad. The former speedster stated:
“Pakistan Cricket Board ne kya select kiya he team. Problem middle order ka that but unhone kaha ki consistency ke saath hum aisa decision karenge jo aapko bara pasand ayeaga, matlab humlog aisa bura decision lenge ki middle order change hi nehi karenge.
“Fakhar Zaman, I have told this a million times before, give him those six overs. Australia me ball usse suit karega but Babar Azam ko upr hi rakhna.”
“Don’t think the captain is cut out for the job” – Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at Babar Azam
Shoaib Akhtar also questioned Babar Azam’s credentials as a leader in the T20 format. His approach came under the scanner after Pakistan suffered a crashing defeat against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final.
“I don’t think the captain is cut out for the job in this format. He is looking for classic drives to rediscover his touch instead of trying to play close to the body. He wants to look classic. What kind of method is this to find form?” Akhtar concluded.
Pakistan are placed in Group B and will begin their quest for a second title against India on October 24 in Melbourne.
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