‘Shoaib Akhtar exaggerating issues in Pakistan cricket’

Published March 1, 2015
Shoaib Akhtar has been one of the team’s strongest critics in recent times. — File
Shoaib Akhtar has been one of the team’s strongest critics in recent times. — File

PERTH: Pakistan have been far from impressive in this World Cup and the Misbah-ul-Haq-led side have had to face some scathing criticism for the same.

Former Test fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been one of the team’s strongest critics slamming the system. Ex-Pakistan Test all-rounder, Mudas­sar Nazar, however reckons that though the Pakistan are under-performing, things are not as bad as Shoaib thinks, reports Mid-day website.

“I think Shoaib is merely exaggerating the problems in Pakistan cricket. Yes, they not played well [in this World Cup] and there are issues but the way he is going out there and saying things about the captain and players is not right,” Mudassar told reporters at the WACA ground.

“Shoaib may say whatever he wants but this team have done well in Test cricket. In ODIs, when your No.1 off-spinner [Saeed Ajmal] is banned six months ahead of the World Cup, your senior-most batsman and off-spinner [Mohammed Hafeez] is not there and your most successful left-arm pacer [Junaid Khan] is absent, it is bound to hurt. I’m disappointed too as I’m a product of the same system. I also cannot digest these performances,” Mudassar added.

The 58-year-old further said that indulgence in PCB-bashing has become a trend.

“There is a system problem in Pakistan cricket, but not as grave as what Shoaib is making it out to be. PCB-bashing has become very fashionable in Pakistan. While some are genuinely concerned about Pakistan cricket, there are many others, who are simply looking for job offers,” Mudassar stated.

Published in Dawn March 1st , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...