Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed frustration over the team’s exit from the Champions Trophy, criticizing captain Mohammad Rizwan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their team selection and management. Akhtar labeled Rizwan as “abnormal,” and previously criticized Babar Azam for poor leadership and idolizing the wrong figures in cricket. He emphasized the deterioration of the team since 2011 and called for a systemic overhaul, suggesting he could help improve domestic cricket if given the chance. He was joined by former captains Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, who echoed his sentiments about the PCB’s failures.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his frustration while analyzing the struggles of the team led by Mohammad Rizwan in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament on Monday after New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh dashed their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. In a conversation on PTV Sports, Akhtar didn’t hold back as he criticized captain Rizwan, labeling him as “abnormal.” This follows Akhtar’s earlier criticism of star batsman Babar Azam after Pakistan’s defeat to India.
Akhtar also took aim at the PCB for their selection process and their apparent disinterest in altering the team dynamics.
“We do not have a personal agenda against the players. If I wasn’t paid, I wouldn’t even be here discussing Pakistan cricket. Honestly, I have nothing to do with this team. I have been doing this since 2011 and I have said it all. I have noticed this decline since 2011. If you make abnormal individuals captains and make bizarre selections, this is the outcome. I have previously worked with captains whose personalities changed multiple times in a single day,” Akhtar stated on PTV Sports.
Former Pakistan captains Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, who were also part of the discussion, weighed in on the PCB issues.
“Why don’t you join the system just once? Just join once and fix it,” Malik interjected.
Malik suggested Akhtar join the PCB to help solve the mess, to which Akhtar responded that it depends on chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“Give me the domestic circuit, and I will fix it. I will sacrifice my time with my family for the future of Pakistan. I know what my fate will be after three years, and I’m still willing to make that sacrifice,” Akhtar declared.
“Ap abnormal logon ko captain banao gay tau yehi ho ga.”
Shoaib Akhtar on Rizwan pic.twitter.com/iQ4nZ6rKM6
— M (@anngrypakiistan) February 24, 2025
Previously, Akhtar criticized Babar for idolizing questionable figures.
“Let’s summarize Virat Kohli’s career a bit. Now tell me, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 100 centuries, and Virat is working to follow his legacy,” Akhtar remarked on PTV Sports.
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (without referencing any cricketer). You have chosen the wrong heroes. Your thought process is flawed. You were not authentic from the start. You revealed yourself in the ICC Champions Trophy when you said, ‘I have become No. 1 for one and a half days.’ You are not No. 1. You elevated the wrong individuals.”
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in a meaningless match on Thursday, as both teams have been eliminated from semi-final contention.
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