Shoaib Akhtar blasts ‘brainless’ Pakistan Cricket Team management

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised Pakistan’s team management following their six-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The defeat at Dubai International Stadium has left Pakistan on the brink of elimination, drawing strong reactions from former cricketers.

Akhtar, visibly frustrated, did not hold back in his assessment. “I would not even talk about Pakistan cricket if I was not getting paid. Honestly, I have nothing to do with them anymore. I am requested to come here, so I come. I have no agenda to talk ill about them. Why should I waste my time?” he said in a video that quickly went viral.

The former pacer criticised Pakistan’s management for selecting only five bowlers, calling the decision “brainless and clueless” in modern cricket, where teams rely on six options. “You go with two all-rounders, but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed,” Akhtar added.

He also blamed the team’s struggles on a lack of leadership and direction. “We can’t blame the kids. The players are just as the team management is. They don’t know what to do. They don’t have the skillsets of Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they know anything, nor the management.”

“Our batters can only bat one way; they don’t know any other way” said Akhtar.

“It’s not an intent issue, it’s a skill issue” added Akhtar, speaking about Pakistani batters lack of intent.

Akhtar’s comments follow growing criticism of Pakistan’s performance in the tournament, with questions raised over selection, strategy, and team leadership.