Kamran Akmal Slams Saim Ayub Over 'Baby-Sitting' Sendoff To Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Saim Ayub in Pakistan training (Source: AFP Photos)Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal went brutal in his comments about Saim Ayub, who made headlines during the Asian Games 2026 final between Pakistan and India with a ‘babysitting’ send-off to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.Akmal mentioned Ayub’s gesture towards Sooryavanshi was only due to social media, and he kept adding that he is not a kid anymore and must focus on how to serve Pakistan cricket better.Kamran Akmal Highlights Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Calibre While Criticising Saim AyubIn a chat on the ‘Game Plan’ YouTube show, Akmal pointed out that Sooryavanshi, who is just 15 years old, is playing international cricket at the senior level due to his outstanding charisma. So, according to him, Ayub shouldn't have mocked him just because he is young.Instead, Saim Ayub should focus on his own game to keep his place in Pakistan’s white-ball setup.“These things have been happening for a long time. Our performance hasn't been great, but we are doing things for social media. The management should think about this. It's international cricket," Akmal said on the ‘Game Plan’ YouTube show.Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest Indian Athlete To Win Gold In Asian Games History"No matter whether he is 13, 14 or 15, he's playing international cricket. Saim Ayub is not a kid. He should focus on his performances," he added.How Did Saim Ayub Perform in Asian Games 2026 Final?Important to mention that Ayub, despite picking up Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wicket, conceded 47 runs off his four overs in the Asian Games 2026 final. He also dropped two catches, and took 22 balls for 29 runs before losing his wicket.After Tilak Varma’s explosive 22-ball 51 not out, India posted 211/6 in their first innings. Coming to chase, Pakistan, after a few early setbacks, came back to the game later. Hasan Nawaz was the lone warrior, making 96 runs off 51 balls to keep Pakistan’s Asian Games gold hopes alive.However, had Ayub supported Nawaz more, the script could have been otherwise for Pakistan.Also Read: BCCI President Calls Pakistan 'No Competition' After India Win Gold In Asian Games