Akhtar blames exit on team selection

DUBAI Even as Pakistan suffered two consecutive losses in the Champions Trophy in England which saw them go out in the group stage, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar blamed the debacle on poor team selection.

“Unfortunately they did not pick the right team,” Akhtar told XPRESS.

“The team needed batsmen who can get runs in the last 10 overs and they were left out. The batting department is struggling big time and there is no firepower in the team that we used to have earlier,” he added.

Akhtar is in the UAE as part of the Sprite Cricket Stars programme currently underway.

“The batting never picked up and never showed the bravery to step up in both their matches. It’s about maturity and the young players show the attitude as if they have been playing for the national team for the last 20 years,” he said, while at the same time hoping the team would put on a better show against India in their last match.

“Pakistan batsmen should learn how to bat for 50 overs. They need to have wickets in hand till they finish 30 to 35 overs which is not happening. If they do that I can assure you Pakistan will be a tough team to beat,” he added.

Akhtar, however, believes the team lacks inspiration. “We need to have inspiration in the dressing room and the senior players should take responsibility to mentor the young players. There should be a good mix of seniors and juniors in the team which can help the youngsters learn. But unfortunately, nothing like that is happening. You need some vision if you need to coach a team like Pakistan,” he said.

Akhtar has been spending time with the teams visiting various labour camps in the UAE and interacting with the participants.

“We have met lot of people in the last five days and it’s time well spent. This is giving me an opportunity to connect with people with whom I could never have interacted,” he said, adding he was happy to be spending quality time with his parents back home.

“I’m staying close to my parents and I love to be with my family which I missed for the last 21 years. It’s good to see my parents grow older and it’s important that I spend time with them and to realise what they have done for me and the hardships they have gone through.

“My advice to the kids is please treasure your moments with your parents,” he added.