Former Pakistan wicket-keeper bat Kamran Akmal slammed Mohammad Rizwan’s team after they failed to deliver in the recently concluded Champions Trophy. The Men in Green failed to even go past the group stage phase after suffering losses against New Zealand and India.
The hosts lost their opening game of the tournament against the Kiwis by 60 runs whereas they suffered a six-wicket loss against India. Pakistan’s final group stage match against Bangladesh was washed due to rain and thus they finished in the last position in Group A.
Akmal lashed out at players, selectors, and coaches and said there is no accountability in Pakistan cricket.
“Our reputation will only come back when you start to win and play good cricket. If you play only for yourself, no one will have respect. Not the players, not Pakistan, and neither the PCB. Is there someone to ask why teams like Bangladesh whitewash us? The chairman should ask this. At least reach the semifinals in an ICC event,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Catch And Bat With Kamran Akmal’.
“You are being knocked out in the initial rounds itself. Did anyone ask the coach, captain, or the selection committee as to how cricket is being run? When there is no accountability, how will the cricket improve?,” he added.
Akmal said no thought was given to how the team could play a better brand of cricket in the ICC tournament.
“Our aim was fulfilled that we got money and upgraded stadiums. We did not think that we need to improve our cricket as well. We did not think about where is Pakistan’s respect going. I do not think they will get any shame till no one talks about this,” he expressed.
Adding further, Akmal said Pakistan is not playing the same style of cricket that the rest of the world is playing.
“Everyone is telling India played in Dubai. Whatever it is, we were playing in our country and had no issues. The only issue is that we are not playing that type of cricket which the whole world is playing,” the former cricketer opined.
Akmal continued to question Pakistan’s timid approach with the bat and believes the results are not coming their way because of the lack of intent.
“If we win one series, we are happy with that and that is only an achievement for us. The thinking is small and they do not think big. It is shameful to see world cricket and how our team is playing. It is not the mistake of the players but of the decision-makers. What do they think and make the team? You cannot qualify in the Asia Cup, what will you win an ICC event?,” he questioned.
Pakistan will next tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.
