PAK vs AFG: Shoaib Akhtar At A Loss For Words After Pakistan's Humiliating Defeat Against Afghanistan

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar could not hide his emotions as he expressed his disappointment after his country’s humiliating loss against Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Before taking on Afghanistan on Monday (October 23), Pakistan had never lost an ODI against them in 7 meetings. However, form, reputation, and history counted for very little as Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan by 8 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai to register a historic win.

The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side remained in firm control of the proceedings throughout the match as they came up with a clinical effort. Batting first, Pakistan finished their innings on 282 for 7, a good total on a tough pitch. Babar Azam (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) were the best performers with the bat for Pakistan.

Afghanistan, however, chased down the total with ease by losing just two wickets. Their top three – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), and Rahmat Shah (77*) – scored half-centuries while captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 48.

Shoaib Akhtar on Pakistan’s loss:

After the game ended, Shoaib Akhtar was at a loss for words to express his feelings. The former cricketer, who rarely shies away from speaking his mind, stated that there was not much to say after such a poor performance from Pakistan. He began by calling for stability in the PCB management.

“You can’t say much after watching this performance. Please put the right man in the right place for god sake. Anyone is becoming chairman, for how long will we keep supporting mediocrity? You will keep putting the average people at the helm, you will keep receiving such average performances,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

“This is the true reflection of the PCB what is being shown now on the television today. This is the direct impact of the choices you have made for the past 20-30 years in cricket. This is the end result, you are getting,” he added.

Speaking further, Shoaib Akhtar said that no player in the current Pakistan team could inspire the youngsters. He then urged Babar Azam to step up as captain and lead the team to victory in the remaining games.

“Tell me one thing if this team has one inspiring cricketer. I have seen the likes of Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, and Viv Richards. Which cricketer in the Pakistan team is inspiring enough for kids to pick up the sport? Why do people still watch our videos? We were inspiring the generation,” he said.

“I have played for Pakistan, my heart bleeds. I will keep supporting Pakistan. Had I been with Babar now I would have told him to step up as captain. This is the worst, which has happened. Now we are playing four teams and let’s win them all.

“If he (Babar Azam) is watching my videos, okay the system is messed up… leave it. Play right people. Bring Fakhar back, and give him the license to attack. Bring Zaman, and look for other options. Play aggressively. Babar should also bat with a strike rate of 120. Pakistan is batting with a strike rate of 80 and 90. Gurbaz was playing at 122. Pakistan plays 150 dot balls in every match. We are scared,” said Shoaib Akhtar.

I have nothing to say today. pic.twitter.com/aQYDyG21vv

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 23, 2023