Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has issued a scathing critique of the Pakistan cricket team, led by Shan Masood, following their humiliating loss to Bangladesh in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 25.
Akmal did not mince words as he condemned Pakistan’s poor performance in the Test, drawing attention to a series of failures that have beset the team in recent years. He emphasized that the Shan Masood-led squad narrowly escaped an even more severe defeat.
Kamran Akmal unleashes fury on Pakistan’s failures after Bangladesh
Kamran Akmal praised Mohammad Rizwan’s half-century as the sole bright spot in Pakistan’s first Test against Bangladesh, which helped prevent an innings defeat. He expressed deep frustration at the team’s stagnation, criticizing them for failing to improve over the past five years.
Akmal reminded fans of previous humiliations, including losses to Zimbabwe and early exits from the Asia Cup 2023, ODI World Cup 2023, and ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He condemned the team for making a “complete mockery” of Pakistan cricket following their historic Test loss to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
He suggested that Pakistani players seem to be treating international cricket like a casual pastime rather than a serious commitment. In contrast, Akmal commended Bangladesh for their determination, noting how their batters not only salvaged the Test but also achieved a landmark victory, highlighting the weaknesses in Pakistan’s cricket. He expressed disbelief at the lack of accountability and the nonchalant attitude in the dressing room.
Made a complete mockery of Pakistan cricket: Akmal
Kamran Akmal said on his YouTube channel: “Had Rizwan not scored a 50 and ran the scoreboard, you’d’ve lost by an inning. You haven’t learned anything in the last 5 years. You lost to Zimbabwe. Last year, you were eliminated from the Asia Cup. You were humiliated at the T20 World Cup. Made a complete mockery of Pakistan cricket.”
Akmal added, “It was a difficult time for Bangladesh, but their batters scored runs. They had to save the Test, and they not only did that but also won the game. They basically exposed Pakistan cricket.
“And our players were batting like club cricketers. Sorry, not even club cricketers play like this. The approach was poor. Players are having a laugh in the dressing room; there is no seriousness because they know nobody will ask anything. It seems that you are playing for fun.”
Notably, the Shan Masood-led side and Bangladesh are all set to face each other in the second and final Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30.
This Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). While Bangladesh is set to travel to India after the Pakistan tour, the Men in Green will host England in a three-match Test series in October.
