Wasim Akram criticizes Pakistan cricket: Knew England series ends with 0-3 loss

Wasim Akram launched a scathing assessment of Pakistan cricket after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, with the legendary former captain admitting he expected Pakistan to be swept before the match even started.

England backed up their dominance with two emphatic victories. They won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before completing a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 at Leeds, while they managed only 110 and 194 at Lord’s.

“I knew before the series that we were going to lose 3-0 to England. Our batting is problematic, our bowling is below average and our fielding is worse. It’s not rocket science,” Akram told The Athletic.

Wasim, who captained Pakistan during their last consecutive Test series win in England, said he sympathized with the players but doubted their attitude was helping their cause.

“But in Pakistan we have a saying, ‘You can only clap with two hands’. I get asked all the time, ‘Can you do anything to help Pakistan cricket?’ But the problems are much deeper. These are the top players, there is nothing else. There are no systems below that. The first-class structure domestically has been all over the place in the last few years and there is no consistency, no patience,” said Akram.

AKRAM POINTS TO DEEPER PROBLEMS IN PAKISTAN CRICKET

Criticism of the former fast bowler goes beyond the current Test team. He believes Pakistan’s problems are rooted in the domestic system, where frequent changes and a lack of patience make it difficult to build a reliable pipeline of international players.

Akram also highlighted how frustration among supporters can feed into a cycle of constant upheaval.

“The fans get that too. They see the team losing and they also want to tear it all apart. We’ve done it so many times and now there’s nothing left,” Wasim added.

His comments come at a particularly turbulent time for Pakistan cricket. After two heavy defeats, The Pakistan Cricket Board has made sweeping changessent seven players home and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their positions.

However, the immediate challenge is still on the pitch. England have already clinched the series and will be looking to complete a 3-0 draw when the teams meet at Edgbaston on September 9. Meanwhile, Pakistan have one last chance to respond to the criticism and salvage some pride by preventing a clean sheet in the third Test.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

08 Sep 2026 21:58 IST