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During the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, Abhishek Sharma scored a blistering 30 runs off just 16 balls, including three sixes and two fours
Indian cricket’s emerging powerhouse, Abhishek Sharma, is already making waves in the T20 International arena, and his exploits are drawing admiration, and criticism, from across the border. The young left-handed opener, known for his fearless approach and penchant for hitting boundaries, announced his arrival on the Asia Cup stage with a six off the very first ball of India’s innings in his debut match.
The impact of Sharma’s batting has not gone unnoticed in Pakistan. Former national captain Shoaib Malik, speaking during the pre-match show ahead of India’s clash against the UAE on PTV Sports, praised Sharma’s aggressive style while questioning the systemic shortcomings of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Malik argued that Pakistan’s cricketing framework leaves players lacking clarity and confidence. How can Pakistani cricketers emulate someone like Abhishek Sharma when the system itself is flawed and the players’ confidence is shaken, Malik said said, adding, “They need direction, assurance, and trust. Only then can their talent flourish.”
Joining Malik on the panel were anchor Zainab Abbas and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, among others. Malik highlighted Sharma’s remarkable T20 statistics, drawing attention to his explosive strike rate. “In 18 T20 internationals, Abhishek has scored 565 runs in 17 innings, striking at an incredible 193.49, including 44 sixes,” Malik noted, adding that such fearless batting was rarely seen. “Pakistani players often lack this clarity about their role or the confidence to play freely,” he said.
The former all-rounder did not hold back in his critique of the PCB, suggesting that the inconsistent treatment of players, dropping them without explanation or guidance, stifles natural talent. “Our players are fighting not only their opponents on the field but also a mental battle off it,” Malik said, adding that they constantly worried about their place in the team, which is detrimental to performance. “The board needs to reform its approach if Pakistan cricket is to rise again,” he asserted.
Sharma’s debut in the Asia Cup has been a spectacle. Against the UAE, he scored a blistering 30 runs off just 16 balls, including three sixes and two fours, setting the tone for his team. Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has reportedly dubbed Sharma the “Sixer King”, while comparisons to established players like Hardik Pandya have stirred reactions within India’s camp, with Shivam Dubey defending Sharma’s individual prowess.
September 11, 2025, 17:57 IST
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