Shoaib Akhtar slams Naqvi’s appointment as the chairman of PCB, takes a dig at Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has intensified his criticism of Pakistan cricket, openly questioning the leadership of the Pakistan Cricket Board and taking sharp digs at some of the team’s biggest names following the latest defeat to India.

During a television appearance, Akhtar used a striking analogy to challenge the competence of the board’s top leadership.

“If you make me the chairman of a TV channel, how would I know how to run it? I am a cricketer,” he said.

Though he did not directly name him at first, the remark was widely interpreted as an indirect swipe at PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting that appointing someone without deep cricketing knowledge to such a crucial role has contributed to Pakistan’s decline.

Akhtar reiterated his long-standing stance that giving powerful positions to individuals who lack domain expertise can severely damage an institution, adding that cricket administration requires technical understanding, long-term vision, and strong decision-making.

The former fast bowler also took aim at Babar Azam, questioning the narrative around his stature.

Referring to Babar’s popular nickname, Akhtar asked:

“Which king is this who cannot win matches for Pakistan?”

The comment reflects growing frustration over Pakistan’s inability to deliver in high-pressure matches, particularly against India in major tournaments.

Akhtar did not spare the bowling attack either. He criticized the “superstar” label often attached to Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“What kind of superstar bowler is he if he cannot even bowl ten overs properly?” Akhtar remarked, suggesting that reputation must be backed by consistent match-winning performances.

Speaking on a sports show, Akhtar criticized the leadership and structural decisions within Pakistan cricket, stating that giving key responsibilities to “incompetent and ignorant people” is the biggest crime in any system.

“The biggest crime in the world is giving a big job to an incompetent person. When you give power to someone who doesn’t understand the job, he destroys everything,” Akhtar said, drawing parallels between administration failures and the current state of the Pakistan team.

Akhtar bluntly stated that the rivalry narrative between Pakistan and India has faded due to one-sided results in recent years.

“There is no competition on the ground anymore. It’s just about TRPs now. Sell the TV, don’t break it, save your money,” he remarked sarcastically while addressing disappointed fans.

Referring to India’s dominance, he added that Pakistan’s repeated losses have turned defeat into a “new custom” whenever they face Team India.

While being critical of Pakistan, Akhtar openly praised India’s depth and consistency. He highlighted players like Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, emphasizing that India currently possesses strength across departments.

He further acknowledged the impact of Jasprit Bumrah, stating that the difference in execution and big-match temperament between Indian bowlers and Pakistan’s attack was evident.

“In this format, India has the number one team, the number one batsman, and the number one bowler. So where is the clash?” he questioned.

Akhtar also raised concerns about Pakistan’s long-standing core, including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Nawaz.

He questioned why, despite years in international cricket, there appear to be no ready replacements or visible evolution in Pakistan’s approach.

“If results haven’t changed and players haven’t changed, then something is seriously wrong,” he said.

“I Will Still Back Pakistan”

Despite his harsh criticism, Akhtar clarified that his support for Pakistan remains unwavering. He expressed hope that Pakistan could still qualify for the Super 8 stage and produce a “miracle” performance.

“I will keep backing Pakistan. I won’t leave them,” he affirmed.

However, his overall message was clear: unless systemic issues are addressed and accountability improves, the India-Pakistan contest will remain one-sided.