ODI World Cup 2023
‘Sahi kaha’ – Fans react as Pakistan’s legendary pacer lashes at Babar Azam and Co. after first-ever loss in ODIs to Afghanistan
The Pakistan cricket team suffered a heartbreaking NRR defeat against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 23 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Notably, Babar Azam and Co. have suffered back-to-back three losses in the ongoing marquee event despite a stellar start to their campaign.
Following the loss, a plethora of former cricketers and experts have been slamming the Men in Green for their poor performance against the mediocre Afghan side. Meanwhile, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar is one of them. The well-renowned cricket commentator lashed out at his side for their loss against the Shahidi-led Afghan side.
The former right-arm pacer feels Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, needs to step up as captain for their side. The 48-year-old cricketer feels Pakistan’s batting strike rate is 80–90, and it should be over 120 if they wish to win the games in the ODI World Cup 2023. However, the Rawalpindi Express pushed his side to win the remaining four games of the marquee event.
“I have played for Pakistan, my heart bleeds. I will keep supporting Pakistan. If I had been with Babar now I would have told him to step up as a captain. Now we are playing four teams and let’s win them all. Babar should also bat with a strike rate of 120. Pakistan is batting with a strike rate of 80 and 90. We are scared, we don’t play fast.” Shoaib Akhtar said.
Tell me one thing does the Pakistan team have one inspiring cricketer?: Shoaib Akhtar
The legendary pacer feels that there is not a single cricketer in the Pakistani squad who has inspired any youngster to pick up cricket as the sport in the future generation for their side owing to their poor performances. Furthermore, the great seamer cited an example of a few greats who had inspired the younger generations to look up to cricket.
“Tell me one thing does this team have one inspiring cricketer? I have seen the likes of Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, and Viv Richards. Which cricketer in the Pakistan team is inspiring enough for kids to pick up the sport? Why do people still watch our videos? We were inspiring the generation,” he added further.
Check out how fans have reacted to his statement:
Sahi kha
— Rahul chopra (@ChopraRahul23) October 24, 2023
Babar PR now trends boycott shoaib akhtar in twitter
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 24, 2023
So cricket is going to ruin in Pakistan.
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) October 24, 2023
They even can't inspire their people to watch their matches…😂
— Stats of Bharat (@BharatMetrics) October 24, 2023
Babar : par mein toh King hoon na bhoijaan pic.twitter.com/t7OeJXpUnk
— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) October 24, 2023
Meanwhile india Fans 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Od6t6IjKyk
— Arvind Kejriwal(श्री 420) (@arvindKejri420) October 24, 2023
