Picture Credit: Twitter
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has made a big statement before the start of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. While the Men in Green reached the semi-final in last year's T20 World Cup, Akhtar said that he is not too sure about their fate in this year's event Down Under, expressing fear that the team could exit in the first round itself.
The Rawalpindi Express' remark came after Pakistan's 3-4 defeat in the 7-match T20I series against England.
"As I have said before, I fear that this Pakistan team can go out of the world cup in the first round itself," Akthar said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
"Pakistan middle order is not good. Plus Pakistan’s openers if they don’t perform, middle order gets into pressure. This is not the way to go into a world cup if you want to win the world cup. It is very sad," he added.
"That’s why I had criticised Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan’s coach) and others to get your middle order and batting order in order. Somehow, they are not listening. It’s very sad to see that Pakistan is not doing well. It’s disheartening," he further said.
"It’s looking dire. It’s not going to be easy for the management from here. Hopefully they learn a thing or two, start watching my videos (smiles) and improve. Babar and Rizwan can’t do it every game. Haris Rauf, well done; I want other bowlers to step up," he said.
Notably, this is not the first time Akhtar has expressed his doubts over Pakistan's performance in the upcoming World Cup. After the Pakistan squad for the marquee event was announced then too the ex-cricketer shared a strong-worded message.
"The problem was in the middle order but the selectors overlooked it and didn’t make any changes in the middle order,” Akhtar had said.
"I have said this a million times that give 6 overs to Fakhar Zaman as the Australian conditions will suit him and keep Babar at the top,” he had recommended also criticizing the chief selector Mohammad Wasim terming him and his decisions "average".
