Home
Legendary Wasim Akram has once again criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its inconsistent management practices after Babar Azam's men's early exit from T20 World Cup 2024. Akram believes these issues are directly impacting the team's performance on the field. Pakistan's recent ouster from the T20 World Cup 2024 is a prime example. Under captain Babar Azam, the team was disappointingly knocked out during the Group Stage held in the USA and West Indies. This came as a shock to many, especially considering their runner-up finish in the previous edition. Akram highlights the team's inconsistency. Pakistan earned a spot in 2021 T20 World Cup semifinal but was bogged down by eventual champions Australia there to bow out of the tournament. Then they managed to make it to the final in 2022 T20 World Cup, ultimately defeated by defending champions England. Similarly, in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, Pakistan's performance was mixed, failing to qualify for the top 4 for the second consecutive time.
Despite high expectations for the ongoing T20 World Cup, Pakistan's campaign fell far short. Early losses to both the USA and India sealed their fate, with their subsequent wins against Canada and Ireland merely consolation prizes. This disappointing performance sparked criticism from several former players, including legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram. Akram, who previously expressed concerns about the team's commitment, has now launched another strong critique of the current system.
Akram recently spoke to Sportskeeda and expressed his concerns about the PCB management decisions, which he believes are impacting the team's performance. Akram specifically questioned two key decisions. Firstly, he raised doubts about the removal of Shaheen Afridi from captaincy after just one overseas series loss (4-1) in New Zealand. Secondly, he criticized the frequent changes in PCB chairmanship. The board saw a revolving door of leadership within a year, with Ramiz Raja, Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf, and currently Mohsin Naqvi all holding the position. Akram's implication is that this instability at the top hinders long-term planning and direction for the Pakistani cricket team.
"They replaced Shaheen Afridi from captaincy and then changed three chairmen in one year. First, they removed Ramiz (Raja). They didn't even let him get into office. Then Najam Sethi was brought in. Zaka Ashraf came after three months. After four to five months, Mohsin Naqvi was brought in as the new PCB chairman," Akram told Sportskeeda.
ALSO READ: Big update on Mohammed Shami's India comeback and recovery amidst T20 World Cup 2024
Wasim Akram reveals Babar Azam's replacement as Pakistan captain
Wasim Akram's criticism of the PCB goes beyond just management changes. He also took aim at the decision to re-appoint Babar Azam as the white-ball captain. This move came shortly after Shaheen Afridi was surprisingly appointed and then removed within a month. Akram believes the board should have given Shaheen a longer chance, at least a year, to prove himself as leader before making a change. Akram concluded his critique with a strong plea for the PCB to improve their decision-making process. He emphasized that the board's impulsive choices have made them a target of ridicule in the world of cricket.
“How can the team be consistent then? They replaced Babar with Shaheen as Pakistan's captain. The latter lost one series and the chairman was changed during that phase. The newcomer asked to change the captain and got it done. This is just not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it. If you have made (Shaheen) Afridi the captain, give him a year,” Akram signed off.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
