ICC World Cup: Wasim Akram lashes out at Pakistani team

24 October, 2023

While speaking on a local sports channel, Akram questioned the bowling changes by captain Babar Azam during the match.

“At the 45-over mark, we had two overs of Shaheen and Haris each and one over of Hasan Ali but we gave the ball to Usama Mir, why? Who will answer these questions?” said Akram.

“Chairman, selector, coaches and captain are all responsible for this defeat,” he added.

He also questioned the fitness of players in the Pakistan team.

"It was embarrassing today. To reach 280-odd losing just two wickets is pretty big. Wet pitch or no, look at the fielding, the fitness levels. We've been screaming for the last three weeks that these players haven't undergone a fitness test in the last two years. If I start taking individual names, their faces will drop. Looks like these guys are eating 8 kilos of mutton every day. Should there not be tests," Akram said.

"Professionally you guys are getting paid, playing for your country. There has to be a certain criteria. Misbah, when he was coach, had that criteria. Players hated him but it worked. Fielding is all about fitness and that's where we are lacking. Now we have reached that same position, where we will pray for ifs and buts to happen," he further added.

Afghanistan put on a superb batting and bowling display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the Cricket World Cup.

Chasing a 283-run target, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286-2 in 49 overs.

Pakistan had made 282-7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan.