‘I am hurt’ – Shoaib Akhtar brutally slams Pakistan team after whitewash against England

Pakistan cricket team yet again showed why the ‘unpredictable’ tag is associated with them. The Men in Green had a great chance of winning an ODI series in England with the home team naming a second-string squad. While many backed Pakistan to clinch the three-match series without much hassle, the visitors couldn’t manage to win a single game. They, in fact, suffered a 3-0 whitewash, and the cricket fraternity isn’t amused with their performance.

A dismal batting show cost Pakistan the first two matches while they couldn’t defend a challenging total of 331 in the last match. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was furious with his countrymen’s poor show as he tore apart the Babar Azam-led side. The veteran opined that if the national team keeps performing like this, Pakistan cricket would be in jeopardy. He also slammed the team management.

You won’t get a new Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, or Wasim Akram: Shoaib Akhtar

“Your fan following will decrease (after such performances). If kids aren’t following you, you won’t get an inspiring star to play for you, you won’t get a new Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, or Wasim Akram… if you keep thinking like the average person, it will only result in average decisions and average performances,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

“Pakistan cricket is in a very serious situation, in treacherous waters. It’s a very hopeless situation, in the PCB, the management, and the team. I am not saying this because I need a job. I am saying this because I am hurt, because I played this game for my country and I made sure that I run in and people get the value for their money but unfortunately that isn’t happening anymore,” he added.

Akhtar even went onto take a dig at the PCB officials, saying the people at the higher position aren’t doing much. “This needs to be looked into. And somehow people in high authorities are turning a blind eye because they themselves are average people,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, England and Pakistan will now lock horns in a three-match T20I series and it would be interesting to see it unfolds. The Three Lions must be high on confidence and would like to continue their dominating show. On the other hand, Pakistan have a chance to redeem themselves and they must put their best foot forward.