Pakistan lost to India by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match at R Premadasa Stadium, leading to harsh criticism from former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. He directed his anger towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership.
After the match, Akhtar expressed his concerns about the state of Pakistan cricket and the decision-making at the board level. His comments have sparked further discussion about accountability in both the board and the team.
Shoaib Akhtar questions PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership
Although he did not initially name him, Akhtar’s critique was clearly aimed at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He doubted whether the current leadership has the vision and skills needed to guide Pakistan cricket during difficult times.
Akhtar pointed out that placing people in key positions without proper cricketing knowledge can lead to negative outcomes. He emphasized that strong leadership is crucial for establishing team culture, performance expectations, and long-term strategies.
In a pointed statement, Akhtar warned that assigning major responsibilities to those lacking expertise could lead to a decline in the organization. His comments reflect a larger concern about ongoing issues in Pakistan cricket rather than just one defeat.
“One guy doesn’t even know he’s the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team run now? You’ve made him a superstar, but he can’t win a single match. If you elevate unqualified people, you’ll face problems. The biggest crime is giving major roles to incompetent individuals,” Akhtar said on ABP News.
Senior players under fire
Akhtar also criticized Pakistan’s senior players, questioning why faith continues to be placed in experienced cricketers who do not perform in crucial matches. He noted that repeated poor performances in important games cannot be ignored.
In the match against India, players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan were unable to make a mark. Their failure to perform in this significant clash has raised questions about team selection and leadership. Akhtar expressed frustration over the phenomenon of “untouchable stars,” warning that this could foster complacency and undermine competitiveness in the team.
“When you give a significant role to someone lacking knowledge, they will harm the organization. The consequences are evident, and you should be able to see this,” Akhtar concluded.
India dominates once again
This defeat has highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing struggles against India in major tournaments. In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Colombo, India outperformed their rivals in every aspect—showing solid bowling and effective batting under pressure. Pakistan’s batting fell short in their chase, and their bowlers failed to contain India’s aggressive batting lineup. The lopsided nature of the game left fans disappointed and raised more demands for reforms within the structure.
