Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has strongly criticised Babar Azam's team following their humiliating seven-wicket loss to India in the ODI World Cup match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14. Akram, renowned as the 'Sultan of Swing' during his playing career, attributed Pakistan's lacklustre performance to poor fitness standards.
"I am concerned about the fitness levels of these players. Currently, there are no fitness tests in place. When Misbah-ul-Haq was the coach and selector, he used to conduct the Yo-Yo Test and other assessments. Professional cricketers should undergo fitness evaluations at least once a month. Neglecting this aspect can lead to such defeats," Akram stated on A Sports.
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the instability in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leadership over the past three years, which has created uncertainty among the team members and management regarding their future.
"PCB has seen three chairmen in the last 3 years. This created a scare among the team members and management about whether they would be part of the next series or not. From 154 for 2 and then 191 all out was really, really disappointing," the former Pakistan captain said.
India's victory over Pakistan extended their unbeaten record in ODI World Cup matches against their arch-rivals to 8-0. This remarkable triumph was celebrated by millions of fans. Their next match will be against Bangladesh on October 19 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, while Pakistan will face Australia on October 20 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Wasim Akram also expressed his displeasure with Pakistan's performance and criticized Babar Azam for exchanging jerseys with Virat Kohli in front of the cameras rather than doing it privately in the dressing room. "That’s what I exactly said when I saw the picture (getting the shirts publicly, not privately)," Akram said on A Sports.
"Today was not the day to do this. If you want to do it – if your uncle’s son has asked you to get Kohli’s shirt – then do it after the game in the dressing room," he added.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Watch: After big loss to India, Babar Azam's Pakistan go out for team dinner in Bengaluru during long break
Watch: Hoardings fall, spectators run for cover at Ekana Stadium during Australia vs Sri Lanka match due to bad weather
