'This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team' - Shoaib Akhtar not happy with the brand of cricket Pakistan is playing

Pakistan is experiencing a dream ride in the international circuit as they managed to thrash both South Africa and Zimbabwe in the away series. However, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar doesn’t seem much impressed with the team selection as he lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management for not adhering to the requirements of modern-day cricket.

Akhtar asserted that he didn’t point out any flaws in the team as Pakistan was winning and it was important to support the side. However, as the series is over, one should introspect regarding where the team went wrong and what changes should be made to the squad. Particularly, Akhtar didn’t seem happy with the brand of cricket, the Men in Green are playing.

“There is no injustice as long as Pakistan is winning. If somebody misses out then that is ok. There was a series going on so it wasn’t necessary to criticize them during it. We support them so that they can make the right decisions. Now that the series is over, I am shouting my lungs out to say, ‘don’t play this type of cricket’. This is not acceptable. If you keep going this way, you will keep failing,” said Akhtar while speaking on PTV Sports.

Further, Akhtar showed his disappointment over Mohammad Rizwan as he believes that one can’t play as per their own will across all the formats. Shoaib believes that it doesn’t matter who is playing as long as Pakistan is winning. Thus, every player should be ready to make adjustments for the betterment of the side.

I think the PCB must take a notice of the backward mindset being carried: Shoaib Akhtar

“You don’t know what you are supposed to do with Rizwan. Rizwan also has to start thinking. This isn’t anyone’s uncle’s team that you can open in each format of the sport. You have to adjust the role given to you by the team. It is as simple as that. If you don’t, then there is the exit, you can leave. Don’t misbehave, just don’t select them,” he added.

Further, the veteran speedster advises Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take immediate action and not let the team carry the backward mindset forward. Akhtar is of the view that the Pakistan board should be clear regarding the brand of cricket they want the team to play and should convey their ideologies to the team management too.

“I think the PCB must take a notice of the backward mindset being carried by the national team. They should tell them that this is the kind of cricket we want to play. This is Test cricket for us and this is the kind of strike rate I require from the captain and the team. Select the right people, those who deserve it. They should demand that,” he concluded.

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