India thrashed Pakistan by six wickets in the Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has labelled Pakistan management as ‘brainless and clueless’ after the team’s second successive defeat in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
After losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in their campaign opener, the Men in Green suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat against India in Dubai on Sunday (February 23).
In a series of videos he shared on social media platform X, Akhtar slammed the way Pakistan team had gone about its business. He pointed out the selection blunder for the showpiece event.
The Rawalpindi Express also went on to say that Pakistan couldn’t even match the skills of Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
“I am not disappointed at all (by the defeat to India) because I knew what would happen. You can’t select five bowlers, the whole world is playing six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed,” Akhtar said in an emotional video that he posted on his X account.
“We can’t blame the kids (Pakistan players); The players are just as the team management is! They don’t know what to do. The intent is a different thing, they don’t have the skillsets like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they know anything, nor the management. They have just gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do.”
Akhtar was also full of praise for India’s game-winner Virat Kohli, who ended the night with an unbeaten century.
Chasing 242 to win, skipper Rohit laid the foundation again with a quick 15-ball 20, including three fours and a six. Shubman Gill took over with seven boundaries from the other end and scored 46 (52) before being dismissed.
However, it was Kohli’s unbeaten hundred (100 off 111) that proved to be a decider. Shreyas Iyer also produced a half-century 56 (67) as India got over the line with 45 deliveries to spare.
Shoaib Akhtar was effusive in praise of Virat Kohli, who slammed his 51st century in the ODI format.
“We have seen this in the past. When you tell Virat Kohli that he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he’s like a superstar! He’s a white ball run chaser! Modern-day great! No doubt about him. I’m very happy for him. He deserves all the praise,” Akhtar remarked.