Wasim Akram, one of the greatest bowlers of all time, is witnessing the decline of the Pakistan National Cricket Team that he once built and which dominated world cricket. He expressed his frustration over Pakistan’s devastating performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan’s repeated defeats are damaging their reputation in world cricket, and are further worsened by poor team selections and internal politics within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The Men in Green recently suffered a shock defeat against the United States and also failed to reach the target of 120 runs against India despite being in a favorable position in New York on Sunday.
Wasim Akram urges PCB to take bold steps amid Pakistan’s poor performance in ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Akram, frustrated with the current situation of the Men in Blue, called for significant changes after the 2024 T20 World Cup. He urged the PCB to reform the team, focusing on building a new team regardless of the instant results with them.
The former Pakistan captain took to microblogging platform X to express his frustration in a video calling for drastic changes within the national team. Akram urged PCB president Mohsin Naqvi to implement bold reforms, calling for the inclusion of six to seven new players in the team and supporting them during defeats to develop a strong team.
Criticizing the lackluster performance of the Pakistan team, Akram said that it was easy to chase 120 runs in the New York field against India, but they made a mistake. The legendary cricketer has once again raised the issue of captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi not speaking to each other.
Wasim Akram said in a video posted on his handle X: “Enough is enough. We need changes now. Bring in a new team (six to seven players) and then support them during losses so they can develop as a team. It is time for the PCB chairman to take a bold step. We keep listening [of the team] that this guy doesn’t talk to that guy, or that that guy doesn’t talk to him. This was New York’s best release yet; It was not that difficult. How difficult was it to chase 120?
The legendary fast bowler further expressed his utter disappointment over Pakistan’s performance so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, especially against India in New York.
Pakistan does not deserve to enter Super 8: Wasim Akram
Akram lamented the team’s inability to adapt and questioned whether they needed to be spoon-fed instructions. Akram said that he feels ashamed as a Pakistani and that Pakistan does not deserve to be in the Super-8.
He added: “After this performance, I don’t think Pakistan deserves to enter the Super 8. Team Pakistan doesn’t need enemies. They themselves are enough. Should we spoon-feed them everything? Should we tell them what the situation is? Will Babar Azam do it or will the coach do it? These players have been playing for between 8 and 10 years. Should I tell Mohammad Rizwan that his senior spinner Jasprit Bumrah has returned to pick up a wicket, so take one?
Akram further pointed out that the Pakistani batsmen barely hit a boundary after 10 overs, and did not even try to play big shots against India. The former captain said that he felt very depressed after Pakistan’s defeat against India and stressed that he is a positive person but he cannot bear such defeats. And he added: “This may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it is what it is.”
He signed off saying: “Now I began to feel ashamed. As a Pakistani, I want to support the Pakistan team, but. But everything has a limit. Unfortunately, it was a very sad day for Pakistan cricket. I can’t even talk now. Obviously, you will be frustrated.”
Look here:
– “At this rate, does Pakistan deserve to advance in the tournament?” My post-match analysis on #WazzWithU #Ufone4G #PTCL #SHOQ #WasimAkram #T20WorldCup @Ufone @PTCLOfficial @shoqofficial pic.twitter.com/t32iDudwTM
– Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 10, 2024