Wasim Akram, a former captain of Pakistan and renowned fast bowler, slammed the Pakistan cricket team after their lopsided loss to Afghanistan in an ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match on Monday at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The loss was described as "shameful" by Akram, who also urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to require "fitness tests" before choosing players for the national team.
In their eighth attempt, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in a One Day International and they make history with their win. Akram expressed his disappointment with Pakistan's ongoing string of losses in this tournament.
With contributions from Ifthikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, Pakistan scored a total of 282 runs, led by the captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique's impressive half-centuries. Even so, Afghanistan managed to reach the goal with only two wickets left with outstanding batting of their openers.
Today's embarrassing situation. With 8 wickets in hand, they (Afghanistan) successfully chased down 280–290 runs, which is an important feat for them. They completely eliminated the importance of the playing surface, and now we must consider our players' fitness levels, said Akram to Pakistan's sports channel 'A Sports'.
Since three weeks ago, we have been struggling that their fitness hasn't been tested in the previous two years. You're being compensated to represent your country, so there needs to be a minimum standard, Akram said.
In addition, Akram emphasized that the team's improved performance was unquestionably aided by the fitness standards that were established during the coaching tenure of Misbah-ul-Haq, despite the initial resistance of some players to follow them. "Tests ought to be performed. When you're performing at your best,
You represent your country while being paid for your work. Likewise, Misbah. He had high standards when he was the coach, and the players despised him for it.
However, the squad saw success as a result of this strategy. Fitness is the only factor that matters for fielding, and it shows on the field. We have now reached the point where we will pray, perform rituals, and wish for other teams to lose so that we can advance to the semifinals," Akram said.
Former wicketkeeper Moin Khan questioned that "There was zero preparation for the World Cup. We played a three-month Test series in Sri Lanka before taking on the Asia cup".
I don't know who is advising the board, but it's obvious they've never played cricket, said Moin Khan.
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