Kamran Akmal, a former wicketkeeper for Pakistan, has expressed his dismay over the national team’s 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh, labeling it the poorest performance he has witnessed in his lifetime. He believes that the issues within the team are deeply ingrained and not easily remedied.
During a discussion on the Game Plan YouTube channel following the series defeat, Akmal acknowledged the accomplishments of the Bangladeshi team. “Congratulations to Bangladesh and their entire nation,” he remarked. “They played exceptional cricket despite facing significant challenges, including protests and governmental issues. Their ability to stick to fundamentals is commendable.”
However, Akmal had harsh words for the Pakistan team, stating there was little left to say other than expressing feelings of disgrace. “We have been reiterating the same concerns for the past six or seven years, yet nothing has improved,” he commented.
Akmal criticized the management of Pakistan cricket, asserting that decisions are being made by individuals lacking cricket expertise and accountability. “When those without cricketing knowledge allow their egos to interfere, the game cannot progress,” he asserted. “Choosing players based on connections undermines merit and skill. There is no accountability or performance criteria where the real issues lie.”
He highlighted a concerning trend regarding player fitness, noting, “In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), no player is deemed unfit. Yet, as soon as domestic cricket begins, fitness issues arise. Not a single fitness letter is issued during the PSL. This mentality stifles improvement in cricket.”
Akmal expressed particular frustration over the treatment of domestic players, stating, “A player capable of scoring centuries and bowling long spells is having his career jeopardized over a single jump. If a player exceeds their two-kilometer time by half a minute, they’re considered unfit. Those making these decisions should reflect on their own standards.”
He drew a comparison with Indian cricket, citing leaders such as MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who prioritize team success. “Players like Pujara, Rahane, and Dhawan have been dropped despite their past performances. The focus is on cricket and the team. Here, friendships influence selections,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Akmal emphasized the need to return to fundamental principles by rebuilding from the grassroots level, identifying players suited for Test cricket, and ensuring fast bowlers are given adequate opportunities in red-ball formats to hone their skills. “Once this system is in place, we can claim to be on the path to recovery,” he stated.
However, he was pessimistic about the timeline for improvement. “Realistically, I don’t foresee any positive changes in the next four to five years. The current trajectory is likely to persist,” he opined.
His concluding message was straightforward: “To achieve improvement, significant and tough decisions must be made. Otherwise, nothing will change.”
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