Kamran Akmal explodes on Pakistan Cricket Team after New Zealand T20 loss; berates them citing India

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has slammed the Salman Agha-led side following their recent T20I series loss against New Zealand. The former wicketkeeper-batter stated that team selection should be merit-based rather than driven by favoritism, as the squad looked like a local club side.

Pakistan faced embarrassment after their 4-1 series defeat against New Zealand in the recently concluded T20I series. Pakistan's inexperienced squad struggled throughout the series and failed to put up a strong fight. The team has been heavily criticized, with backlash coming from all directions.

It Was a Shameful Performance - Kamran Akmal Criticizes Pakistan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kamran Akmal described Pakistan’s display as “shameful.” He stated that the T20 World Cup champions, India, have built a squad by selecting players purely based on performance. Kamran Akmal also claimed that young Indian players could defeat the current Pakistan side.

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"Our team looked like a local team. It was a shameful performance. Our performance is zero, and nobody has realised it. Look at the ongoing IPL," Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

"If you play the youngsters playing there against this Pakistan team, they will win the series. India wins all the matches because they make the team on merit, not like us. In Pakistan, teams are made based on favourites," Kamran Akmal added.

They Outplayed Us in the Whole Series - Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that his team was thoroughly outplayed by New Zealand. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Salman said that their focus remains on the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. He added that the series loss overshadowed individual contributions.

"They were outstanding. They outplayed us in the whole series. There were plenty of positives, though. The way Hasan batted and Haris batted in Auckland," Salman said.

"The way Sufiyan bowled today. When we were coming in here, the focus was on the Asia Cup and the World Cup. I did alright. It doesn't matter when you lose the series," he added.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Set to Return for ODI Series

After a disappointing T20I series, Pakistan will now shift their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Saturday at McLean Park in Napier. The team will be eager to put the T20 setbacks behind them and deliver a stronger performance in the 50-over format.

Experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were excluded from the T20I squad, will return for the ODIs in the upcoming series. These senior players, along with a few other specialists selected solely for the format, joined the squad in New Zealand after preparation at home.

Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other in 119 One Day Internationals so far. Pakistan have the upper hand in the overall record, securing 61 victories, while New Zealand have won 54 matches.

However, New Zealand have dominated their recent ODI meetings, defeating Pakistan in all three encounters this year. Pakistan have managed only 15 wins while suffering 31 losses on New Zealand soil.

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