Kamran Akmal Slams Pakistan’s Cricket Structure After Bangladesh Whitewash
In the wake of Pakistan’s demoralizing 0-2 whitewash against Bangladesh in the Test series, former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has launched a blistering critique of the national team and the broader cricketing structure. His comments, delivered with raw candor, reflect a deep frustration over years of stagnation and mismanagement.
Bangladesh’s Dominance on Display
Pakistan’s defeat was sealed in Sylhet, where they fell short by 78 runs in the second Test after an already damaging 104-run loss in Mirpur. Despite a promising start—Mohammad Abbas striking early and the team reducing Bangladesh to 116/6—Litton Das’s composed 126 and vital lower-order partnerships turned the tide. The next highest score in that innings was just 29.
Bangladesh’s bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance. Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana claimed three wickets each, exposing Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup—only two batters, including bowler Sajid Khan, crossed 25.
A Record Chase and Missed Opportunities
Responding in the second innings, Bangladesh set a daunting target of 437. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Litton Das both notched half-centuries, while Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name in history with his 14th Test hundred—the most by any Bangladeshi batter. Pakistan’s chase began with brief resistance. Mohammad Rizwan’s 94, supported by Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha’s 71s, offered flickers of hope. But Taijul Islam’s match-winning six-wicket haul extinguished any real chance of a comeback.
Kamran Akmal’s Scathing Indictment
Appearing on the Game Plan YouTube channel, Akmal opened with praise for Bangladesh. “Many congratulations to Bangladesh and the whole nation. Tremendous cricket, no doubt. Despite everything they were going through — the protests, the government situation — they never moved away from their basics. Big achievement.”
His tone quickly shifted when addressing Pakistan. “There is nothing left except shame,” he said bluntly. “We have been saying the same things for six or seven years. Nothing has changed.”
He pointed fingers at non-cricketing decision-makers, accusing them of prioritizing ego over merit. “When non-cricketers have their ego involved, cricket will not improve. When you select by parachute, merit and skill are zero to you. Where the actual fault is, there will be no accountability, no criteria for performance.”
PSL vs. National Duty: A Clash of Priorities
Akmal also highlighted a troubling double standard in player fitness. “In PSL, not a single player is ever unfit. Domestic cricket starts, and fitness letters start coming in. Not one will come during PSL. When this is the mentality, how will cricket improve?”
He condemned the PCB’s rigid fitness benchmarks, arguing they end careers prematurely. “A player who can score 100, 200, bowl 18 overs a day — you are finishing his cricket career because he couldn’t do one jump. Two kilometres, if he is half a minute over, you say he is not fit to play. Look at yourselves first — those who are making cricket decisions.”
A Call for Hard Decisions
Drawing comparisons with India’s handling of senior players, Akmal praised how stars like Pujara, Rahane, and Dhawan were dropped when they ceased to deliver. “Cricket first, team first. Here they bring friendships onto the field.”
As for the future, Akmal remains pessimistic. “Practically speaking, I don’t see things improving in the next four or five years. It will continue the way it has been going. If you want to get better, you will have to make big, hard decisions. Otherwise nothing will improve.”
Pakistan now sits eighth in the World Test Championship standings, their qualification hopes for the top two effectively over. With upcoming away series in the West Indies and England, and no away Test win since July 2023, the road ahead remains steep.
