Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is upset with the gameplay of the Pakistan cricket team. He feels the team is not playing as per the need of modern-day cricket. Although Pakistan has done well lately, defeating South Africa and Zimbabwe, Akhtar and other former cricketers aren't happy with their playing style.
Speaking on PTV Sports, Akhtar slammed Pakistan team management for making wrong calls in team selection. He doesn't feel the team can go too far playing this type of cricket.
“There is no injustice as long as Pakistan is winning. If somebody misses out, then that is ok. There was a series going on so it wasn’t necessary to criticize them during it. We support them so that they can make the right decisions. Now that the series is over, I am shouting my lungs out to say, ‘don’t play this type of cricket’. This is not acceptable. If you keep going this way, you will keep failing,” said Akhtar.
ALSO READ: Shoaib Malik levels allegations of selection bias against Pakistan Cricket Board
“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team. As long as Pakistan is winning, it doesn’t matter who it is or where he is coming from, a player should be performing and performing up to my wishes and according to the new brand of cricket’s requirements. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them,” he added.
Akhtar wants the Pakistan Cricket Board to curb the backward mindset of the team and it shouldn't be carried forward. “I think the PCB must take a notice of the backward mindset being carried by the national team. They are carrying it forward and shouldn’t. They should send a strong message to the management.
"They should tell them that this is the kind of cricket we want to play. This is Test cricket for us and this is the kind of strike rate I require from the captain and the team. They need to identify the talent and their respective roles. Select the right people, those who deserve it. They should demand that,” he further said.
