Pakistan’s former cricket star, Wasim Akram, expressed strong criticism following Pakistan’s unexpected defeat to Afghanistan in the 22nd match of the ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan lost the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai by eight wickets, dropping to fifth place in the tournament standings. Wasim Akram, known for his fast bowling, did not hold back in his comments.
In his critique, Akram labeled the performance “embarrassing” and pointed out concerns about the fitness levels and fielding of the Pakistani team. He emphasized that the team’s fitness had not been adequately assessed in the last two years, calling for fitness tests and asserting that players must meet certain criteria.
Wasim Akram said
“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,” Akram blasted team on a show for a Pakistani TV channel.
“We’ve been screaming for the last 3 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 everyday. Should there not be tests?” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of fitness in fielding and suggested that it was an area where the team was lacking. Akram cited Misbah-ul-Haq’s coaching tenure as an example of how discipline and fitness criteria could improve performance, even if players did not initially appreciate the approach.
“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,” Akram said.
The loss to Afghanistan was a significant upset for Pakistan and left them in a difficult position in the ODI World Cup. Akram’s remarks highlight the broader issues facing Pakistan’s cricket team as they strive to improve their performance in international competitions.
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