I've never seen a cowardly captain like Misbah, says Akhtar

Published February 21, 2015
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. -AFP Photo
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. -AFP Photo

KARACHI: Former paceman Shoaib Akhtar labelled captain Misbah-ul-Haq “a coward” and “a selfish player” after Pakistan were crushed by 150 runs by West Indies in the World Cup on Saturday.

“I have not seen a more coward and selfish captain than Misbah,” the 39-year-old Akhtar told a private TV channel.

“He is not willing to bat up the order to protect the other players at a time when he needs to show inspiration.

“He is happy with his own runs and I don't know what coach Waqar Younis wants. He has no game plan or direction for the team,” added the man known as the Rawalpindi Express, who won 46 test caps and played in 163 one-day internationals.

Misbah, 40, has been a successful test captain since taking charge in 2010 and has also led the one-day squad since 2011.

He batted at number five against West Indies in Christchurch on Saturday but made only seven as Pakistan were bowled out for 160 to slump to their second straight defeat in the competition.

Former test captain Ramiz Raja also believes it is time for senior batsman Younus Khan to step down after failing in the opening two World Cup matches.

“I beg of Younus. Thank you for your services to Pakistan cricket but please leave this ODI side now,” said Ramiz.

“I think Younus should tell the management he should be rested. Our fielding has also been a joke but we need just one good match to get back on the winning track.”

Another former captain Mohammad Yousuf called for wholesale changes to be made after the World Cup.

“The problems ailing our cricket will not go away unless we produce better batsmen and the management is reshuffled,” Yousuf said.

Former test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was also scathing in his criticism.

“We went to pieces against a West Indies side hit by internal issues so what can we expect from this team in the remaining games?,” said Saqlain.

Opinion

Editorial

Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...
Risky slope
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Risky slope

Inflation likely to see an upward trajectory once high base effect tapers off.
Digital ID bill
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Digital ID bill

Without privacy safeguards, a centralised digital ID system could be misused for surveillance.
Dangerous revisionism
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Dangerous revisionism

When hatemongers call for digging up every mosque to see what lies beneath, there is a darker agenda driving matters.