PAK v ENG 2024: “This is the standard,” Kamran Akmal likens current Pakistan side to a "locality team" after Multan Test loss

Pakistan lost the Multan Test despite scoring 556 runs in the first innings.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Oct, 2024

Pakistan succumbed to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of England in the opening Test in Multan despite scoring 556 runs in the first innings.

Riding on Harry Brook’s triple century (317) and Joe Root’s double hundred (262), the visitors racked up a mammoth 823/7 (declared) on the board, securing a substantial lead of 267 runs.

Batting in the second essay, the hosts were bowled out for 220 in the morning session on the final day to lose the match by an innings and 47 runs.

Pakistan’s embarrassing display sparked strong reactions from their fans and former players, including Kamran Akmal.

The former wicketkeeper-batter compared the current Pakistan team to a "locality team" and accused the players of prioritizing personal milestones.

"The world must be amazed by the way Pakistan lost. Nobody will believe this. Pakistan side has become a locality team. Even the club team doesn't perform like this. This is the current standard of our team. We win against small teams but can't even get close to big teams. The whole world is laughing at the Pakistan team," Kamran said on his YouTube channel.

"Pakistan team have selfish approach. In our country, players play for their personal milestones and then think about the team," he added.

Recently, PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer admitted that the lack of unity among the players was a major factor behind the downfall of Pakistan team.

Kamran called for an inquiry within the team to identify the players who are responsible and wants them to be dropped following this "shameful performance".

"The captain should be asked who is the player involved in this. Inquire about this and remove the responsible person. You are favouring them without performance. The whole world is playing against Pakistan to make records. Shameful performance," he remarked.

The Multan Test defeat against England marked Pakistan's sixth consecutive loss in the longest format of the game. They’ve now gone 11 consecutive Tests at home without a win with their last win coming in February 2021 against South Africa.

The pressure on the Shan Masood-led side is at an all-time high and they will be desperate to change their fortunes in the second Test against England set to begin from October 15 at the same venue.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Oct, 2024

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