New Delhi: Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sharply criticized Salman Agha’s captaincy following Pakistan’s recent defeat to India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, asserting that Agha does not deserve to lead the team.
The 50-year-old cricketing legend analyzed Pakistan’s performance, holding both captain Agha and coach Mike Hesson responsible for key mistakes. He identified Shivam Dube’s impactful middle-over spell as the turning point in Pakistan’s batting innings.
“I am really surprised by the coach, Mike Hesson. As for the captain, he doesn’t know anything—what is he even captaining or contributing in the middle? He is the weakest link in the team. Does he deserve the spot he’s playing in? Nobody talks about this, but he is the weakest link,” Akhtar said on PTV Sports.
He added, “What does he do exactly? He comes in at No. 6, facing players like Hardik Pandya or Tilak. Compare that. I am fine with him as a person, fine with him as captain—but what does he actually contribute as a player?”
Akhtar also questioned Pakistan’s team selection, suggesting the inclusion of Hasan Nawaz over inexperienced players. He criticized the batters for losing momentum after a couple of wickets fell.
“First of all, the team selection was wrong. From 91 in 10 overs, they could have reached 140 by the 15th over and possibly 200. The pitch was perfect today. But when Hussain Talat came in, the momentum slowed, then Mohammad Nawaz faced 19 balls and got run out,” he said.
He further commented on the bowling strategy: “If you were going to give Saim Ayub three overs in the powerplay, you might as well have selected more fast bowlers. What’s the thinking behind team selection? I just want someone to explain that to me. Wrong not to play Hasan Nawaz—he can win matches. Or Mohammad Wasim Junior, another match-winner. Today, with the new ball, if Hasan Ali had bowled a proper length, I would have liked to see how Abhishek Sharma would react. You can’t bowl two short and two full—this isn’t acceptable. The captain fails to justify his place and makes poor decisions on selection, and the coach shares the blame. All responsibility lies with the management.”
Akhtar also echoed concerns similar to Danish Kaneria’s about Shaheen Afridi’s strategy against Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.
“Bhai, Abhishek should have been tested with solid bouncers from both ends. The first ball should have been on length, making him come forward and giving a chance to beat him. Bouncers create fear. Yes, bowl short at times, but given his hand-eye coordination, he had to hit. And that first bouncer was poorly directed. Then, you didn’t follow it up. That’s where the strategy failed,” he concluded.
