T20 World Cup 2024: Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis point internal rift after Pakistan's horror defeat against India

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New York, Jun 10: In a high-stakes T20 World Cup match on Sunday (June 9) in New York, Pakistan faced a crushing six-run defeat against arch-rivals India, leaving their campaign teetering on the edge.

Despite chasing a modest target of 120, Pakistan's innings crumbled from a promising 80 for three in 14 overs to a disappointing 113 for seven in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant performance by Jasprit Bumrah and his fellow Indian fast bowlers.

The loss came as a shock to many, especially given Pakistan's earlier heroics against India in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai. Mohammad Rizwan appeared to single-handedly guide Pakistan to victory, but the momentum shifted dramatically. This defeat left legendary Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis deeply disappointed and vocal about their concerns.

Wasim Akram's Disappointment

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram did not hold back in his criticism, particularly targeting senior players like Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman for their lack of game awareness. Also Read: 'Greedy' PCB made a deal with players who have 'ruined Pakistan cricket': Mohammad Hafeez

Akram expressed his frustration on Star Sports, saying, "They have been playing cricket for 10 years, and I can't teach them. Rizwan has no game awareness." He cited Rizwan's ill-timed slog against Bumrah as a critical mistake, emphasising that Rizwan should have been more cautious knowing Bumrah's intent to take wickets.

Akram's disappointment extended to the team's overall mentality and dynamics. "Pakistani players think that if they don't perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them. It is time to keep the coaches and change the entire team," he added.

He also revealed underlying tensions within the team, particularly between captain Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, who have not been on speaking terms since the captaincy change last month.

Shoaib Akhtar's Critique

Shoaib Akhtar, another former Pakistani fast bowler, expressed his frustration on his YouTube channel. He was baffled by how Pakistan failed to capitalise on their strong position.

"Very disappointing. It was a run-a-ball chance for Pakistan," he said. Akhtar criticized the middle-order for their lack of application, pointing out that Rizwan had the potential to score the additional runs needed for victory.

"Earlier, India's middle order messed it up. They were 80-odd in 11 overs and could have achieved around 160 but couldn't. But for Pakistan, it was a close chance. Rizwan could have scored another 20 runs and won the game for the team. Sadly, we didn't apply our brains," he lamented. Akhtar's critique extended to questioning the team's intent and application, describing the defeat as "speechless and hurtful."

Waqar Younis' on Pakistan's horrific defeat

Legendary pacer Waqar Younis was equally disheartened, calling Pakistan's performance "horrible." Speaking to Star Sports, Younis expressed his disbelief, saying, "They are a super team. Pakistan - if you can't win this game, what should I say? This was given to you on a plate and Pakistan really spilled it."

Younis acknowledged the early partnerships but criticised the team's inability to finish the game. "There were a few partnerships in the beginning but they couldn't really finish the game," he added, highlighting the missed opportunity and poor execution by the Pakistani batters.

The aftermath of Pakistan's loss to India has sparked intense scrutiny and criticism from some of the nation's most respected cricket legends. The lack of game awareness, internal team issues, and failure to capitalise on crucial moments have all been cited as reasons for the defeat.

As Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign hangs in the balance, it remains to be seen how the team will respond to this setback and address the concerns raised by their legendary predecessors.