Former Pakistan player and PCB selector slammed national team’s dismal performance in the recent T20I series against New Zealand, highlighting issues in team management and selection. Despite changes in the squad, Pakistan continue to struggle in all formats.
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Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal did not hold back in his criticism of the national team’s dismal performance during the recent T20I series in New Zealand. The series ended in a
humiliating 4-1 defeat for Pakistan, prompting Akmal to voice his frustrations regarding the team’s management and selection processes.
Akmal slams Pakistan’s poor performances
In a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Akmal expressed disappointment over what he described as a “shameful performance.” He emphasised the stark contrast between Pakistan’s current state and cricket powerhouse India. “Our team looked like a local team. It was a shameful performance. Our performance is zero, and nobody has realised it,” he stated.
Akmal highlighted the importance of meritocracy in team selection, citing India’s success in consistently winning matches as a result of fielding teams based on performance rather than favouritism. “Look at the ongoing IPL. If you play the youngsters playing there against this Pakistan team, they will win the series. India wins all the matches because they make the team on merit, not like us,” he remarked.
Pakistan recently faced a disappointing elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025, a tournament they hosted, marking the first ICC event in the country since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. India went on to win the title in Dubai. Their early exit generated significant buzz, especially after they had previously been ousted in the group stages of both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. India advanced to the finals of both tournaments, winning the T20 World Cup for the second time.
Following the Champions Trophy setback, Pakistan made several changes to their squad, notably in the T20 format, where Mohammad Rizwan was replaced as captain by Salman Ali Agha. Additionally, Babar Azam was dropped from the T20 team. However, these changes appear to have had little to no impact on Pakistan’s performances as the team continues to struggle with disappointing results.
Now, after a heartbreaking T20I series, Pakistan will turn their attention to a three-match ODI series beginning on Saturday, 29 March at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand.