Former cricketer Kamran Akmal has heavily criticized the Pakistan team following their unexpected defeat against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday in the T20 World Cup.
At one point, Pakistan seemed to have the upper hand, especially when they needed to defend 15 runs in the final over. However, despite Haris Rauf's efforts to bring the equation down to five runs from the final delivery, Nitish Kumar's boundary forced the game into a Super Over. Pakistan fell short by five runs, which allowed the USA to secure a memorable victory.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on T20 World Cup action
What did Kamran Akmal say about the Pakistan team?
Akmal did not hold back in his criticism. He called the defeat a big embarrassment for the team.
"On one hand, they talk about fitness and attitude, but they don't see themselves and management in the same aspect. They only care and watch for their place in team - that nobody should replace them. It is why they don't let good players to get selected. We are still getting sponsors, thanks to cricket, but if we keep on losing like this, fans will stop watching cricket and sponsors will run away," Akmal said.
More: Will New York be a spinning track? Spin options for India and Pakistan for the T20 World Cup clash
What did Kamran Akmal say about Pakistan team selection?
Following the defeat, Pakistan's team selection process has got fingers pointed on them. Akmal specifically called out the management, saying that the selection process is influenced by personal preferences rather than merit.
"It was a very embarrassing loss, we are going in the wrong direction in cricket. If you are going to select players by personal preferences, then you will have to see such days. You are destroying career of people," Akmal added
What's next for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan's next challenge is a high-stakes match against arch-rival India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday. The team will need to regroup and address their issues quickly to avoid another disappointing performance.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >