'Pakistan might crash out in the first round of T20 World Cup' - Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan after their series loss to England

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar showed no mercy and once again lashed out his anger at Pakistan’s middle-order. Even after a lead in the series, Pakistan crumbled in the last two matches against England and eventually lost the series on their home turf. Now, with the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin shortly, the problem in the middle order still remains to be a major concern.

The 47-year-old pointed out the exact issue in the Pakistan team and made a bold prediction that if Pakistan fail to address it, they might even crash out in the first round of the mega tournament. The over-dependence on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has also become a pattern in the team that the management needs to solve.

“Pakistan middle order is not good. Plus, Pakistan's openers if they don't perform, the middle order crumbles. This is not the way to go into a World Cup, if you want to win the World Cup. I fear that Pakistan might crash out in the first round of the T20 World Cup. That's why I had criticised Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan's Head Coach) and others to get your middle order and batting order sorted,” Shoaib said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

It's disheartening, Pakistan are in a dire situation: Shoaib Akhtar

Even after being one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan lost to Australia in the semi-finals of the competition but a new brand of cricket was seen from the Men in Green. However, their cricket isn’t bringing any trophies to their cabinet.

The team lost a Test series against Australia on their home turf earlier this year, lost in the finals of the Asia Cup 2022 and now, a seven-match T20I series loss against the Three Lions. Thus, Shoaib feels that the Pakistan team are in a dire situation at the moment.

“Somehow, they are not listening. It's very sad to see that Pakistan is not doing well. It's disheartening. Pakistan are in a dire situation. It's not going to be easy for the management from here. Hopefully, they learn a thing or two, start watching my videos (smiles) and improve," he added.

The Babar Azam-led side will now travel to New Zealand to participate in a tri-series against the host New Zealand and Bangladesh. Post that, they will begin their World Cup preparation and play a couple of warm-up games against England and Afghanistan before challenging India on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).