![Akhtar grills Naqvi for Pakistan's poor performance [Source: X, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772362477422_AkhtargrillsNaqviforPakistan'spoorperformance.jpg?type=hq)
Akhtar grills Naqvi for Pakistan's poor performance [Source: X, AFP]
Former Pakistan speedster, Shoaib Akhtar, has questioned the leadership at the Pakistan Cricket Board after the team crashed out of the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Green had to beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin to secure a place in the semis, and while the side did manage to win, the margin was not enough.
Pakistan won the match by 5 runs against Sri Lanka, but it was not enough to overhaul the New Zealand net run-rate as the team once again failed to reach the semifinals of an ICC event.
Akhtar blasts Pakistan management for horror show in T20 World Cup
After the team witnessed a miserable World Cup campaign, Akhar, didn't mince his words as he slammed the Pakistan management for ruining the T20 team.
“Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error, Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay," Akhtar said while speaking on Tapmad.
“This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he was not played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered," Akhtar added.
Also Read: Salman Ali Agha Replacements: Players Locked In As Pakistan's New Captain
Mohsin Naqvi targeted as frustrated Akhtar releases anger
Not only the management, but the former pacer also unleashed his anger on the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, for the team's struggles in recent ICC events, while also acknowledging the fact that Naqvi has been trying to revive Pakistan cricket.
“I have nothing against Mohsin Naqvi. From what I hear, he is a good person. He is one of the most powerful chairmen in Pakistan’s cricket history. He has influence, resources and authority," Akhtar said.
“But if he (Naqvi) can’t build a strong management structure and the team has failed to qualify in four consecutive tournaments, then something is seriously wrong within the board," Akhtar added.
Pakistan's horror run in recent ICC events
The Pakistan team, under the leadership of Babar Azam, reached the 2022 T20 World Cup finals but lost against England. This was the last time the Men in Green tasted any success as it was followed by three successive group stage exits (2023 World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy).
The side managed to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 after winning matches against the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. However, their opening match of the Super 8 against New Zealand was washed out, and they suffered a crushing defeat against England.
The team needed to beat Sri Lanka by a large margin to overtake the Kiwis, but they barely managed to win the game (5 runs), as it exposed the Pakistan team’s calibre in ICC events.
After a not-so-shocking result in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will next turn up against the Bangladesh side in a three-match ODI series, starting on March 11, as the side aims to redeem itself in the 50-overs format.
Also Read: Lungi Ngidi Becomes South Africa’s All-Time Best T20I Bowler; Dale Steyn Not Even Close
