'Absolutely disappointing' - Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at PCB, team management following Test series defeat against Australia

Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has come out hard at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team’s 0-1 defeat in the home Test series against Australia. While the first two games ended in a draw, the Aussies walked away with a 115-run triumph in the third and final Test to lift the trophy. Notably, the cricket fraternity has been critical of Pakistan’s ‘defensive’ approach throughout the series.

With the first two Tests ending in a draw, the pitch conditions in Rawalpindi and Karachi drew massive criticism, although the hosts made a terrific comeback to salvage a draw in the second Test. Babar Azam’s men looked on the right track to earn a draw in the Lahore Test as well. However, Nathan Lyon’s five-for meant the Aussies record a historic series win on Pakistan soil.

Akhtar wasn’t amused with the proceedings as he lashed out at PCB for their lackluster approach in the series. At the same time, he also lavished praises on the Pat Cummins-led side for playing brave cricket.

The mindset of PCB and team management was to draw this series: Shoaib Akhtar

“Absolutely disappointing series, this. Absolute nonsense. The mindset of both, the Pakistan Cricket Board and probably the team management, was to draw this series. Neither they should win, nor us; just end this series in a draw,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

“But hats off to Australians. I’m genuinely happy for them. This is not their home, none of these players played in Pakistan before; they came here and play(ed) brave cricket. The bowlers didn’t know when the ball reverses in such conditions but both, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins put in the hard hours to learn the skills of the trade here. Nathan Lyon, who hasn’t toured Pakistan yet, took a five-wicket haul,” he added.

Notably, this series marked Australia’s first assignment on Pakistan soil this decade. Hence, Babar Azam’s team was expected to thrive in home conditions. However, the Aussies were dominant throughout the series and eventually walked away with the series win.