Islamabad: Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has delivered a sharp critique, calling on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to step down if he is unable to enhance the current performance of the men's team.
Pakistan's struggles on the international stage persisted as the team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, squandered a commanding 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand, suffering a heavy 84-run defeat due to a dismal overall performance.
This series loss follows a disappointing T20I series and an early exit from the Champions Trophy title defense. Kamran did not hold back in expressing his views to the PCB chairman regarding the team's recent shortcomings.
"It is disgraceful. The PCB chairman should consider resigning if he cannot manage the situation. Don't tarnish your reputation. If you choose to stay, then you must work on improving the team's current status," Kamran stated on his YouTube channel.
He criticized Pakistan's lackluster performance during the second ODI in Hamilton, where the pitch provided bounce and swing for fast bowlers, yet Pakistan's bowlers were dominated by Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas.
Despite having a strong position early in the innings, reducing New Zealand to 132/5, Hay (99*) and Abbas (41) launched a fierce counterattack, propelling New Zealand to a competitive total of 292/8.
Kamran pointed out the bowlers' lack of discipline in their line and lengths, advocating for the introduction of new talent to revitalize the bowling department as part of a necessary overhaul.
If the bowlers from Pakistan are unable to perform on such a pitch, then where can they succeed? In Asia, it's often said that conditions are not favorable for bowlers. In places where there is some assistance, they still fail to make an impact. Should we consider fielding players with disabilities against us? We seem uncertain about our bowling strategy, indicating that a change is necessary, he remarked.
At one point, Pakistan found themselves in a dire situation at 65/6 in the 21st over. Faheem Ashraf mounted a remarkable comeback with a rapid 73 off 80 balls. His efforts were complemented by Naseem Shah, who stepped in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf and contributed a vital 51 off 44 balls, helping Pakistan reach a total of 208.
"Faheem Ashraf was our savior. We don't require runs from Naseem; we need him to take wickets. Our batsmen appear lost. Once Babar was dismissed, the batting order was laid bare. I didn't observe any regret about the outcome, except from the coach. This is detrimental to Pakistan's cricket," he concluded. (ANI)
