Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing verbal attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board and its management following their humiliating 61-run defeat by India in the T20 World Cup group stage at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
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Speaking to ABP News, the legendary pacer remained visibly frustrated with the PCB and its treatment of the national team. Akhtar was particularly critical of the continued support of older stars they have failed to deliver when it mattered most.
Older players like it Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan were among the worst performances against India, raising serious questions about why they continue to receive unconditional support despite their repeated failures in key matches.
AKHTAR QUESTIONS ON NAQVI COMPETENCE
Akhtar did not hold back in his criticism of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, questioning his ability to run Pakistan cricket effectively.
“Now one guy doesn’t even know he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team work now? You say one guy, you made him a superstar, he can’t win a single match. You made him a star who can’t win a single live match,” Akhtar said.
“Brother, if you make stars like that, if you choose them, if you choose them, then you will only have this problem. But then again, the point is, if you see, you know what is the greatest crime in the world? The greatest crime in the world is to give a big job to an incompetent person.”
CONSEQUENCES OF INCOMPETENCE
The former pacer has warned of the dangers of appointing unqualified people to positions of power, suggesting it has far-reaching implications beyond just cricket.
“When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, it will destroy the country. It will bring down any organization. The example is in front of you, you are intelligent enough to understand,” concluded Akhtar.
Pakistan’s ongoing struggles against India have now become a source of great concern as fans and pundits demand accountability from both the board and players who consistently underperform in high-pressure situations.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 16, 2026