Too many changes in the first ODI were the main reason for Pakistan’s defeat in the match: Shoaib Akhtar.—AFP photo

KARACHI: Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Tuesday hit out at skipper Misbah-ul-Haq for making wholesale changes which, he said, led to Pakistan’s 130-run defeat in the first One-Day International against England in Abu Dhabi.

“Too many changes in the first ODI were the main reason for Pakistan’s defeat in the match,” he said on Monday.

“Why was Shoaib Malik played is anybody’s guess and I think Malik himself was under lot of pressure,” said Shoaib.

“Pakistan team had done well in the Test series and major changes should not have been made,” lamented Shoaib who retired from International during the 2011 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

“I fail to understand why in-form Azhar Ali was not considered in the team and why was Abdul Rehman left out.”—APP