Shoaib Akhtar’s Explosive Rant: A Symptom of a Deeper Crisis in Pakistan Cricket
The dust has barely settled on Pakistan’s crushing 61-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but the real storm is just beginning. Legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, never one to mince words, has launched a blistering attack on the very heart of Pakistan cricket: its leadership. His target? PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, whom Akhtar branded as “incompetent” and whose appointment he called nothing short of “the biggest crime in the world.” This isn’t just post-match frustration; it’s a desperate cry from a former great who sees his nation’s cricketing legacy crumbling before his eyes.
Table of Contents
- The Context of the Collapse
- Shoaib Akhtar’s Scathing Verdict on PCB Leadership
- Questioning the Superstar Reliance: Babar Azam and Co.
- Who is Mohsin Naqvi and Why the Controversy?
- The Road Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
- Conclusion: A Call for Radical Change
- Sources
The Context of the Collapse
The stage was set at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium for another epic chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry. India posted a competitive 175/7, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77. Pakistan’s response, however, was a masterclass in self-destruction. Their chase imploded almost immediately, crashing to 13/3 within the first two overs. Despite a fighting 44 from Usman Khan, the innings never recovered, folding for a meager 114. This wasn’t just a loss; it was a systemic failure that laid bare the gulf in class and preparation between the two sides—a gulf that Shoaib Akhtar believes is directly tied to the boardroom.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Scathing Verdict on PCB Leadership
In a passionate interview with ABP News, Akhtar directed his fury squarely at the top. His Shoaib Akhtar PCB criticism was both personal and institutional. He questioned the very competence of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, stating, “One guy who does not know anything has become the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chairman. What can you do? How will the team run?” [[1]]. He went even further, describing Naqvi as “incompetent and ‘jaahil'” (ignorant), asserting he was unfit to lead the board [[1]].
Akhtar’s most damning statement, which has since gone viral, was his declaration that “The biggest crime in the world is to give a particular job to incompetent people,” framing Naqvi’s appointment as a catastrophic error in judgment that is actively harming the sport in Pakistan [[1]]. He warned of the dire consequences, saying, “When you give a big job to an incompetent and ignorant person, he will destroy the country. He will bring down any organization,” using Pakistan’s current plight as the prime example [[2]].
Questioning the Superstar Reliance: Babar Azam and Co.
Akhtar’s critique didn’t stop at the administrative level. He also took aim at the team’s on-field leadership and its reliance on senior players who, in his view, have consistently failed in high-pressure situations. While not naming him in every quote, he was clearly referring to captain Babar Azam when he lamented, “You have made a superstar out of a player who cannot win you a game,” directly challenging Babar’s much-debated match-winning ability [[1]].
He grouped other senior figures like Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan into this category of underperformers who continue to receive “unconditional support despite their repeated failures in crucial matches” [[2]]. This, Akhtar argues, is a symptom of a broken system that prioritizes fame over consistent, winning performance.
Who is Mohsin Naqvi and Why the Controversy?
Mohsin Naqvi, a politician and media mogul with no prior cricket administration experience, was elected PCB chairman in February 2024 [[18]]. His appointment was seen by many as a political move, a trend that has long plagued the PCB. Critics argue that his lack of a cricketing background makes him ill-equipped to handle the complex sporting, financial, and diplomatic challenges facing the board. Akhtar’s outburst is the most high-profile and vocal expression of this widespread concern, especially after a series of controversial decisions and now, a demoralizing loss to their arch-rivals.
The Road Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
Akhtar’s rant, while harsh, points to a critical juncture for Pakistan cricket. The path forward demands more than just a change in personnel; it requires a complete overhaul of philosophy. This includes:
- Professional Leadership: Appointing administrators with a proven track record in sports management, not just political connections.
- Merit-Based Selection: Moving away from the cult of personality and building a team based on current form and a clear, long-term strategy. You can read more about our thoughts on team selection in our [INTERNAL_LINK:team-selection-philosophy] guide.
- Investment in Grassroots: As Akhtar noted, Pakistan has failed to invest in modern talent for years. A robust domestic structure is non-negotiable for future success.
For a deeper look at the state of international cricket governance, the International Cricket Council’s official site provides a benchmark for how professional bodies should operate.
Conclusion: A Call for Radical Change
Shoaib Akhtar’s scathing assessment is more than just the anger of a disappointed fan; it’s the voice of a former insider who understands the game’s soul. His labeling of Mohsin Naqvi’s chairmanship as the “biggest crime” is a stark, urgent warning. Until the PCB addresses its fundamental issues of leadership and vision, performances like the one against India will not be an anomaly but the norm. The question now is whether the powers that be will listen before it’s too late for a generation of Pakistani cricketers.