Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar delivered harsh criticism toward captain Salman Agha following the team's defeat against India during the Asia Cup 2025. The 50-year-old cricket analyst questioned Agha's leadership abilities and declared him unfit for the captaincy role. Akhtar targeted both Agha and coach Mike Hesson for tactical errors during the match. He described the captain as the team's weakest performer and challenged his batting position at number six. The former pacer compared Agha unfavorably with Indian players like Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma.
Akhtar condemned the team selection process and suggested that Hasan Nawaz should have received a place in the lineup instead of inexperienced players. He noted Pakistan's strong start of 91 runs in 10 overs before momentum declined after key wickets fell. The analyst criticized bowling strategies against Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. He argued that Shaheen Afridi should have employed better bouncer tactics. Akhtar emphasized that management decisions from both the captain and coach contributed to the disappointing performance.
Akhtar condemned the team selection process and suggested that Hasan Nawaz should have received a place in the lineup instead of inexperienced players. He noted Pakistan's strong start of 91 runs in 10 overs before momentum declined after key wickets fell. The analyst criticized bowling strategies against Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. He argued that Shaheen Afridi should have employed better bouncer tactics. Akhtar emphasized that management decisions from both the captain and coach contributed to the disappointing performance.
