Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar: “We need to change the intent, the mindset, and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?”
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Iconic Pakistan seamer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his infuriation at the national team’s inability to play modern cricket, asking “how hard is that to understand”.
He also accused the players of “playing for their averages” instead of looking to win games for their country.
Akhtar stressed the need for a major change in attitude and mindset if the men in green are to become a formidable side again.
“No one used to look for escape routes. The environment has changed, and in the last 10-15 years, everyone has started playing for themselves. Everyone is playing for their averages. The intent should be to win matches for your country. We need to change the intent, the mindset, and create that atmosphere. You need to play according to modern cricket. How hard is that to understand?” the 50-year-old, who holds the record for the quickest ball at 161.3 kph (100.2 mph), said on the Game On Hai Show as quoted by NDTV.
Pakistan’s form has been turbulent as of late as they beat Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20I series in Lahore.
After that, the men in green travelled to Bangladesh, but lost the T20I series 2-1.
They then went to the West Indies and came away with mixed results as they won the T20I series 2-1 but lost the ODIs 2-1.
Next up was a T20I tri-series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan in Sharjah, which they won.
After the T20I tri-series Pakistan participated in the 2025 Asia Cup, which took place in the UAE.
They beat Oman and the UAE in the group stage, but also lost to India.
Another loss to India followed in the Super Four, but the men in green still made it to the final after taking down Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
In the Asia Cup final, Pakistan failed to emerge victorious as India beat them by five wickets.
Pakistan’s next assignment will be a home series against South Africa that will include two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs. It will take place between October 12 and November 8.
Pakistan squad for UAE T20I tri-series and 2025 Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem
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