The excitement of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India intensifies as it approaches the playoff phase, with India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia comfortably occupying the top four positions. However, Pakistan’s journey has been marked by disappointment, as they’ve suffered four losses in seven matches. Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back in his criticism, targeting the team’s management, selection process, and players.
At the outset of this quadrennial extravaganza, Pakistan was touted as one of the favorites to clinch the CWC 2023 title. But a dip in form from star players like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and others has made their path to the knockout stage considerably more challenging.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on the selection criteria, labeling it a “complete sham.” He didn’t spare players like Mohammad Rizwan either. During a recent podcast, the Rawalpindi Express fielded questions about Pakistan’s underperformance at CWC 2023, stating, “This individual is touted as a hero, a brand, yet he takes 150 balls to make 150 runs, not 75 balls to score 75 runs.”
Akhtar’s verbal salvo wasn’t limited to just the selection committee; he also took aim at Inzamam-ul-Haq, who recently stepped down as chairman of the PCB selection committee. Akhtar continued, “Our entire process, from top to bottom, is riddled with fraud. I tried explaining to the chairman how to improve it, but he dismissed it, claiming, ‘Relax, you don’t understand.'”
Furthermore, Akhtar didn’t hold back on his assessment of Mohammad Rizwan, dubbing him as a ‘timid’ player and remarking, “I foresaw this two years ago – the fatigue he experiences just bringing his gloves to the crease.”
With two group stage matches remaining against New Zealand and England, Pakistan’s playoff hopes hang by a thread. Their qualification also hinges on the outcomes of matches involving Australia, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, as these teams are in more favorable positions.
In the context of CWC 2023, Team India and South Africa appear to be on the cusp of securing semi-final berths, while teams like Bangladesh and England are striving to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy. The final selection of the seven teams joining host Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be determined by the World Cup standings.
