NEW DELHI: Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not mince words in launching scathing attack on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and captain Salman Ali Agha after Pakistan suffered five-wicket defeat against India in the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday.
Speaking on ARY News, Akhtar slammed PCB, claiming it prefers "obedient kids" over "strong personalities" in the national team. He added that the side lacks attitude and criticised captain Salman Ali Agha for not being "inspiring" enough to lead.
"Humey ab shareef bacche chahiyen, jo aaath baje curfew legake ghar pey bait jaayen. Cricket board ko in jaisey bechare, lallu-kattu chahiye. They don't want strong personalities. This is the reflection of the PCB policies. Where will the attitude come when the captain is not inspiring? The captain is a reflection of the board's choices."
Akhtar also revealed why he never entered cricket administration.
"Senseless and headless-chicken management. The team combinations weren't right, the captaincy wasn't spot-on, and they weren't willing to listen to us. From the first day after my retirement, I had decided I will never join PCB as whoever has gone there has never come out with respect. I work in TV, take money, and sit. These guys don't want strong personalities."
Akhtar suggested sweeping reforms for the PCB, calling for stronger grassroots programs, regional teams, and a PSL 2.0 aimed at developing young talent, while contrasting Pakistan's setup with India's highly structured domestic system.
"Now there is Mohsin Naqvi, next time koi aur saab aa jayenge. Unless you bring in a visionary educated man... history will remember if you start this," Akhtar said.
