Shoaib Akhtar was upset and disheartened following Pakistan’s 6-wicket defeat to India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, which almost eliminated the hosts from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
At the conclusion of the match, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ appeared emotional and nearly at his breaking point after yet another loss for Pakistan against their arch-rivals India. “I wouldn’t even discuss Pakistan cricket if I weren’t being compensated. Honestly, I have no involvement with them anymore. I’m asked to appear here (on the show), so I come, and I’m speaking to you sincerely and live on TV. I have no intention to speak badly about them (players), why should I waste my time?” Shoaib Akhtar said in a video that went viral on social media.
“I’ve been participating in TV (interviews and panel discussions) since 2011. Believe me, I’ve said everything,” he added. Akhtar also described the Pakistan management as ‘brainless and clueless.’
“I’m not upset at all (by the loss to India) because I already knew what would happen. You can’t select five bowlers, the whole world is using six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed,” Akhtar was quoted saying in a video he shared on his X account.
“We can’t blame the players (Pakistan team); the players are just like the team management! They don’t know what to do. The intent is one thing, they don’t have the abilities like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. They neither know anything, nor does the management. They’ve simply gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do,” he added.
Akhtar also praised Virat Kohli after his outstanding performance.
“Once again, we all saw, if you tell Virat Kohli he’s going to play against Pakistan, he will be fully prepared and score a century. Hats off to him, he’s like a superstar, a white-ball run chaser, a modern-day great. There’s no doubt about that, I’m genuinely happy for him as he’s an honest person,” Shoaib Akhtar said in a video on X.
“He also reached his 14,000 runs in ODIs today, I hope he goes on to achieve 100 international centuries in the future. I really want him to do that, I hope this guy gets everything he deserves. I’m really, really happy for him. I wish him all the best, and I believe he truly deserves all the praise. The way he came out and played an impeccable innings today,” he added. Kohli achieved his 51st ODI century, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls to lead India to victory.
