In the 22nd game of the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan shocked Pakistan, which was captained by Babar Azam. On Monday, October 23, both teams squared off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The outcome of the match stunned everyone as Afghanistan easily defeated the Men in Green. Pakistan plummeted to fifth place in the standings as a result of Afghanistan’s eight-wicket victory, while veteran bowler Wasim Akram attacked the team and questioned their health following the defeat.
“Today was embarrassing. It takes a significant loss of wickets to reach 280-plus. Look at the fielding and fitness levels whether the ground is wet or not, Akram advised on a Pakistani TV program.
Since three weeks ago, we have been yelling that these guys haven’t had a fitness test in the previous two years. If I begin calling out names, their faces will fall. It appears that these men consume 8 kilograms of mutton each day. Should tests not be conducted? Added he.
Fitness is the key to fielding, and that’s where we fall short: Wasim Akram
Additionally, Wasim Akram criticized Pakistan’s subpar fielding versus Afghanistan, which was a major factor in the team’s defeat against Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team.
In Akram’s opinion, there ought to be certain standards or a standard to uphold because the players are representing their nation and receiving compensation for it. Akram cited Misbah-ul-Haq as an example, saying that his strategies were successful despite the players detesting him.
“You guys are playing for your nation and getting paid professionally. There must be a set of requirements. When Misbah was the coach, he had such standard. Players disliked him, but it was effective. We have reached the point where we will hope for ifs and buts to occur since fielding is all about fitness, which is where we are lacking at the moment, Akram added.
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