Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing attack on the national team management and captains for their lack of faith in spinners during home Test series. Akmal believes that spinners have been consistently marginalized and denied adequate opportunities to showcase their abilities over the past three years.
Akmal’s criticism comes in the wake of Pakistan’s 0-2 loss to Bangladesh in their recent home series. He pointed out that Pakistan has a strong track record of winning home matches when they employ a balanced attack of fast bowlers and spinners. However, he believes that the team has been overly reliant on pacers in recent years, which has led to their downfall.
Akmal expressed concern over the exclusion of experienced spinners from the team. He mentioned players like Yasir Shah, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Bilal Asif, Zahid Mahmood, and Usman Qadir, who he believes should not have been overlooked without proper justification.
“When Babar (Azam) was captain, he kept some spinners in the squad but never bothered to play them regularly. Unless spinners get constant exposure, how will they come through?” Akmal said.
Akmal also highlighted the struggles of Pakistan’s batters against fast bowlers. He believes that the batters are comfortable facing pacers bowling at 130-140 kmph, but they struggle against bowlers who bowl at 140 kmph or more.
“Our batters are comfortable against pacers bowling at 130-140 kmph, but when they face a pace of 140 kmph or more, and they see that on the scoreboard during the match, their legs start to give way,” he said.
Akmal emphasized that players should prioritize domestic cricket rather than solely focusing on overseas leagues. He believes that the lack of commitment towards domestic cricket is leading to inconsistent performances at the international level.
“They prefer to go and play in useless foreign leagues to earn money and this is not helping them develop their skills. This lack of commitment towards domestic cricket is leading to inconsistent performances at the international level,” he said.
Akmal also commented on Babar Azam’s recent form slump. He believes that Azam is struggling due to some technical flaws.
“He is unsure of himself and his off-stump early on and has this tendency to leave his leg stump exposed. Balls that should be played towards cover are being played straight, and the bat doesn’t go towards the ball’s direction,” he said.
