The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under fire from former cricketer Kamran Akmal for its lack of professionalism, which he believes has contributed to the team’s recent struggles. Akmal’s criticism comes in the wake of Pakistan’s humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat to Bangladesh, a team they had previously dominated.
Akmal pointed to the stark contrast between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which he praised for its professionalism and success. He emphasized the importance of a well-structured team, selectors, captain, and coaches, all of which he believes are lacking in Pakistan cricket.
“PCB should learn from BCCI, their professionalism, their team, selector, captain, and coaches. These are the things that make a team number one and dominate the world. If we were so good, then Pakistan cricket wouldn’t be here. It is because of your ego Pakistan cricket is suffering,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
Pakistan’s recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh has highlighted the instability that has plagued the team in recent years. Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan suffered a disappointing defeat in the Asia Cup final in 2022 and was eliminated from the Super 4 stage in the subsequent edition of the tournament.
The team’s decline continued in the ODI World Cup 2023, where they were eliminated in the group round. A series of adjustments followed, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking over the captaincy from Babar and Shan Masood leading the Test team.
However, Pakistan’s struggles persisted, with defeats to Ireland and England in T20Is and a humiliating Test series loss in Australia. The team’s poor performance continued in the T20 World Cup, where they lost a thrilling Super Over match against the co-hosts, the USA, and were eventually eliminated from the group round after a defeat to India.
In response to the string of disappointments, the PCB has announced a high-level Connection Camp aimed at creating a coherent and distinct vision for the future of the sport. Nine Pakistani cricketers, including Babar, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be present at the camp, along with head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten.
