Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan cricket culture, says PCB wants 'Lallu-kattu shareef bacche, not match-winners’

Synopsis

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar heavily criticized the national team's management, captain, coach, and PCB following their Asia Cup 2025 final defeat to India. He highlighted systemic issues like weak leadership, poor team combinations, and tactical errors, asserting the PCB favors compliant players over strong personalities. Akhtar advocated for significant reforms, including grassroots development, to cultivate genuine talent.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Pakistan’s cricket team management, captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team’s loss to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final. He highlighted systemic issues in Pakistan cricket, saying they have left the team lacking aggression and strong leadership.

Shoaib Akhtar blames captain and coach

Speaking on ARY News, Akhtar said, “Where will the attitude come when the captain is not inspiring? The captain is a reflection of the board’s choices.” He also criticised coach Mike Hesson for backing “half-baked allrounders” instead of match-winners like Hasan Nawaz.

He added, “Senseless and headless-chicken management. The team combinations weren’t right, the captaincy wasn’t spot-on, and they weren’t willing to listen to us.”

Comments on Pakistan cricket culture

Akhtar said the PCB prefers players who are easier to manage, rather than strong personalities. “Humey ab shareef bacche chahiyen, jo aaath baje curfew legake ghar pey bait jaayen. Cricket board ko in jaisey bechare, lallu-kattu chahiye. They don’t want strong personalities. This is the reflection of the PCB policies,” he said.

He also explained why he avoided cricket administration after retirement: “From the first day after my retirement, I had decided I will never join PCB as whoever has gone there has never come out with respect. I work in TV, take money, and sit. These guys don’t want strong personalities.”

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Akhtar reviewed Pakistan’s performance in the final, pointing out poor strategy, fragile middle order, and questionable bowling choices. He specifically criticised giving Haris Rauf the final over, which leaked 17 runs, calling it a “big mistake.”

Shoaib Akhtar suggests reform

He proposed changes to the PCB, including grassroots development, regional teams, and a PSL 2.0 to nurture young talent. He contrasted Pakistan’s system with India’s structured domestic pathway. “Now there is Mohsin Naqvi, next time koi aur saab aa jayenge. Unless you bring in a visionary educated man… history will remember if you start this,” Akhtar said.

For Akhtar, the Asia Cup 2025 final reflected broader problems in Pakistan cricket, where he believes the system prioritises obedient players over genuine talent and leadership.

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