Ex-Pak players criticise team’s dismal show

A can of worms has been opened up following Pakistan’s near exit situation from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy with former players gunning for the heads of the members of the team, head coach Dav Whatmore, selectors and board officials.

Pakistan now need a miracle of sorts to still qualify for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy after their loss to West Indies and South Africa in their group matches, with the batting flopping badly on both occasions.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar minced no words in stating that the country’s cricket structure needed a complete overhaul. ‘We shouldn’t be surprised by these results because we neither have quality batsmen nor bowlers and the reason for this is, we are not producing quality talents because of an inapt and mismanaged cricket structure,’ he said. 

Akhtar said since the time he started playing domestic cricket he had seen a lot of mismanagement. ‘I came up because of my will to achieve something and not because of this system,’ he said.

‘Our cricket system is about compromises. Be it selection or other matters. The best don’t get chance properly. What was the logic in dropping experienced players like Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq for such an important event,’ he asked. 

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also called for changes in the (PCB). ‘Someone has to be answerable for this debacle. I would like to see those faces changed who have been around in 

Pakistan cricket and board for years now and done nothing,’ said the fast bowler.