Wasim Akram criticises Pakistan team's fitness with blunt remark
New Delhi, October 25: Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment with the Pakistan cricket team's performance and fitness during their defeat to Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup 2023. Akram, speaking on a post-match programme on the Pakistan-based sports channel A Sports, criticised the Men in Green for their misfields and lack of aggression, which have been recurring issues throughout the tournament.
Misfields and dropped catches have been a constant concern for the Pakistani team during the World Cup. Besides these fielding woes, a lack of attacking spirit also played a role in their downfall. Afghanistan, in contrast, adopted an aggressive approach that paid dividends.
Legendary pacer @wasimakramlive lashes out at the Pakistan cricket team following their upset defeat against Afghanistan.#ASportsHD #ARYZAP #ThePavilion #CWC23 #ShoaibMalik #MoinKhan #FakhreAlam #MisbahUlHaq #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/RZSaVDSXIS — ASports (@asportstvpk) October 23, 2023
Akram didn't mince words in expressing his frustration after Pakistan's loss. He specifically pointed out the lack of fitness in the team and stated during the A Sports broadcast, "It was embarrassing today. They [Afghanistan] chased 280-290 with 8 wickets in hand, which is huge. They nullified the pitch factor completely. And just look at the fitness levels of our players."
"We have been emphasising for the past three weeks that they haven't undergone fitness tests in the last two years. Now, should I name them individually? Their faces are getting broader. Lagta hai roz 8 kilo nihari khate hain (It seems like they are eating 8 kilos of meat every day). There should be some test; you are being paid for playing for your country, and there has to be a certain criteria," Akram added.
Moin Khan, former Pakistan wicket-keeper, also raised questions about the PCB's planning for Pakistan's schedule during the World Cup. He pointed out the lack of planning and the taxing schedule leading up to the tournament. "There was a complete lack of planning for the World Cup. We played 3 months in Sri Lanka, including a Test series and then the Asia Cup in this heat. The players looked completely drained out and lethargic on the field. I don't know who is advising the board; they obviously haven't played cricket before," Moin Khan stated during the same program on A Sports Pakistan.
Afghanistan surprised everyone on Monday with their second upset victory in the World Cup and their first-ever win over Pakistan in the 50-over format. Their strong all-round performance helped them secure an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Chennai.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), and Rahmat Shah (77)* led the way with the bat, successfully chasing Pakistan's total of 283 on a challenging Chennai surface.
Despite Pakistan's bowlers trying to defend a competitive total, Afghanistan comfortably reached their target, winning by eight wickets with an over to spare. The win moved Afghanistan to sixth place in the points table, while Pakistan remained in fifth place with four points and a net run rate of -0.400.
Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka next on October 30 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
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- With inputs from agencies
