Pakistan‘s defeat of 61 is devastating India in the year T20 World Cup 2026 The clash at the R Premadasa Stadium during the group stage drew heavy criticism from the former fast bowler. Shoaib Akhtarwho organized a bloody attack on him Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership.
Speaking after the high-tension encounter, Akhtar did not mince words as he questioned the direction of Pakistan cricket and the decisions at the top. His comments, widely shared on television and digital platforms, added fuel to an already heated debate about accountability within the board and the team.
Shoaib Akhtar questions PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership
Without naming him directly at first, Akhtar’s criticism was clearly aimed at the PCB chairman Mohsen Naqvi. The former pacer expressed serious doubts about whether the current leadership of the board has the vision and competence required to steer Pakistan cricket through tough times.
He argued that appointing individuals without adequate cricketing knowledge to important administrative roles could have harmful consequences. According to Akhtar, leadership at the top plays a defining role in shaping team culture, performance standards and long-term planning.
In a strongly worded statement, Akhtar suggested that giving great responsibilities to those who lacked the necessary experience would inevitably lead to organizational decline. His remarks were not limited to a single defeat but reflected wider concerns about systemic issues in Pakistan cricket.
“Now a guy doesn’t even know he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team work now? You say a guy, you made him a superstar, he won’t win a single match. You made him a star who can’t win a single live match. Bro, when you create such stars, when you select them, there is still a problem.” If you see, do you know what is the biggest crime in the world, giving a big job to an incompetent person? Akhtar told ABP News.
Big players under fire
Akhtar also focused on Pakistan’s senior cricketers, questioning the continued reliance on experienced names who have failed to rise to the occasion. He pointed out that repeated lackluster performances in marquee matches cannot be ignored indefinitely.
As key figures against India Babar AzamShaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan was struggling to make an impact. Their failure to perform in one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament has fueled scrutiny of team selection and leadership dynamics. Akhtar seemed particularly frustrated by what he described as the creation of “untouchable stars.” He warned that irresponsibly promoting players could breed complacency and weaken the team’s competitive spirit.
“When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, it will destroy the country. It will collapse any organization. The example is in front of you, you are smart enough to understand.” Akhtar concluded.
India dominates again
The defeat extended Pakistan’s recent struggle against India in global tournaments. In front of a packed Colombo crowd, India outplayed their opponents in all departments – from disciplined bowling to calculated batting under pressure. Pakistan’s batting faltered in the chase, while their bowling unit failed to contain India’s aggressive top order. The one-sided nature of the competition disappointed fans and fueled calls for structural reforms.
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