Pakistan‘s crushing 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash at the R Premadasa Stadium has ignited fierce criticism from former fast-bowling great Shoaib Akhtar, who launched a blistering attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership.
Speaking in the aftermath of the high-voltage encounter, Akhtar did not mince words as he questioned the direction of Pakistan cricket and the decision-making at the top. His remarks, widely circulated across television and digital platforms, have added fuel to an already raging debate about accountability within the board and the team.
Shoaib Akhtar questions PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership
Without directly naming him at first, Akhtar’s criticism was clearly aimed at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The former pacer expressed serious doubts over whether the board’s current leadership possesses the vision and competence required to steer Pakistan cricket through turbulent times.
He argued that appointing individuals without adequate cricketing understanding to crucial administrative roles can have damaging consequences. According to Akhtar, leadership at the top plays a defining role in shaping team culture, performance standards and long-term planning.
In a strongly worded statement, Akhtar suggested that giving major responsibilities to those lacking the necessary expertise inevitably leads to organizational decline. His remarks were not limited to a single defeat but reflected broader concerns about systemic issues within Pakistan cricket.
“Now one guy doesn’t even know he’s the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team run now? You’re saying one guy, you’ve made him a superstar, he can’t win a single match. You’ve made him a star who can’t win a single living match. Brother, when you make these kinds of stars, when you choose them, when you pick them, then you’ll have this problem only. But again, the point is, if you see, you know what the biggest crime in the world is? The biggest crime in the world is that you give a big job to an incompetent person,” said Akhtar on ABP News.
Senior players under fire
Akhtar also turned his attention to Pakistan’s senior cricketers, questioning the continued faith placed in experienced names who failed to rise to the occasion. He pointed out that repeated underwhelming performances in marquee matches cannot be overlooked indefinitely.
Against India, key figures such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan struggled to make an impact. Their inability to deliver in one of the tournament’s most anticipated clashes has intensified scrutiny on team selection and leadership dynamics. Akhtar appeared particularly frustrated with what he described as the creation of “untouchable stars.” He warned that elevating players beyond accountability can foster complacency and weaken competitive spirit within the squad.
“When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, he will destroy the country. He will bring down any organization. The example is in front of you, you’re intelligent enough to understand,” Akhtar concluded.
India dominate once again
The defeat further extended Pakistan’s recent struggles against India in global tournaments. In front of a packed Colombo crowd, India outclassed their rivals in all departments — from disciplined bowling to calculated batting under pressure. Pakistan’s batting faltered during the chase, while their bowling unit failed to contain India’s aggressive top order. The one-sided nature of the contest left fans disappointed and intensified calls for structural reforms.
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