Assuming that the criticism leveled at Pakistan by former pacer Shoaib Akhtar regarding their performance in the run-chase against India was unwarranted, Wasim Akram, a well-known figure in the Pakistan cricket scene, offered his opinions on the same subject, though his analysis was more animated and passionate.
When speaking about the actions of some Pakistani batters during the pursuit of the target set by Team India, particularly after they had been playing in the international arena for ten years, the former left-arm bowler did not hold back while making an appearance on Star Sports. Despite Mohammad Rizwan’s top-scoring contribution of 31, he did not spare anyone from his criticism, including the wicketkeeper-batter.
He emphasised Rizwan’s aggressive shot attempt off the opening ball of Jasprit Bumrah’s second stint, which was particularly crucial because it showed the batter didn’t seem to understand that Bumrah posed the most threat. He advised Rizwan to have been more cautious in his approach against the right-arm pacer, who was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
They have ten years of cricket experience, and I am unable to instruct them. Rizwan does not understand the game. He was supposed to be aware that Bumrah was handed the ball in order to take wickets and that it would have been prudent for him to play his deliveries carefully. However, Rizwan lost his wicket after going for a powerful hit, as Akram stated on Star Sports.
Also read: Shoaib Akhtar responds to Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in New York
His criticism of Iftikhar Ahmed was particularly harsh; he openly claimed that Ahmed was an ineffective batsman and that his skill set was severely limited, choosing a single stroke to the leg side even though he was a seasoned player. He criticised Fakhar Zaman harshly as well, claiming that he lacked the same level of in-game knowledge as Iftikhar.
“One shot on the leg side is known to Iftikhar Ahmed. Despite being a team member for years, he is not proficient at hitting. Akram continued, “I’m unable to go advise Fakhar Zaman about game awareness.
It’s time to alter every member of the squad while keeping the coaches: Wasim Akram
There has been a tendency where the support personnel, especially when it comes to the Pakistani team, have taken the fallout for the players’ poor performances. Supporting a change in this trend, the 58-year-old said that players have grown accustomed to being given mercy when they do poorly and mentioned how players have grown accustomed to this. He suggested that the backend staff should continue to be employed while the players are at risk of being replaced.
“Players from Pakistan believe that nothing will happen to them and that their coaches will be fired if they don’t do well. Akram said, “It’s time to replace the entire team and retain the coaches.
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