Shoaib Akhtar criticised Pakistan’s team management and questioned PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the team failed to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has strongly criticised the national team management following Pakistan’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup. He said that although Mohsin Naqvi is one of the most powerful chairmen in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s history, his authority means little if he cannot build a strong management structure.
Pakistan ended their Super 8 campaign with a win over Sri Lanka. However, they failed to improve their net run rate enough to overtake New Zealand in Group 2, which ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Frustrated by Pakistan’s repeated failures in ICC tournaments, Akhtar pointed out that the team has now missed the semi-finals in four consecutive events. These include league-stage exits at the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Speaking on Tapmad, Akhtar criticised the team’s selection decisions and overall planning. “Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error, Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay,” Akhtar said while speaking on Tapmad.
Shoaib Akhtar Questions Selections
He added that the right players must be picked for the right roles. “This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he was not played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered,” Akhtar said.
The former fast bowler also directed his criticism at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. While acknowledging Naqvi’s influence and good intentions, Akhtar questioned whether he has the right advisors around him.
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“I have nothing against Mohsin Naqvi. From what I hear, he is a good person. He is one of the most powerful chairmen in Pakistan’s cricket history. He has influence, resources and authority,” Akhtar said.
“But if he (Naqvi) can’t build a strong management structure and the team has failed to qualify in four consecutive tournaments, then something is seriously wrong within the board,” Akhtar added.
Akhtar’s remarks have added to the growing debate around Pakistan cricket, as fans and experts demand accountability after another disappointing ICC campaign.
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