Kamran Akmal Slams Pakistan After Test Whitewash by Bangladesh
Pakistan’s Test Collapse Sparks Fierce Backlash from Kamran Akmal
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing critique of the national cricket setup following the team’s demoralizing 2-0 whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in the recent two-match Test series. The defeat, sealed with a 78-run loss in Sylhet, has left Pakistan reeling — both on the field and off it.
A Series Defined by Missed Opportunities
Pakistan began the second Test with early promise. Mohammad Abbas struck on the second ball, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and the visitors reduced Bangladesh to 116/6. However, a determined 126 from Litton Das, supported by lower-order contributions, shifted the momentum. The next innings saw Mushfiqur Rahim etch his name in history with his 14th Test century — a national record — while Joy and Litton added fifties to set Pakistan a near-impossible target of 437.
The batting response never materialized. Only Mohammad Rizwan (94), Shan Masood (71), and Salman Ali Agha (71) offered resistance. Taijul Islam’s match-defining six-wicket haul in the second innings ripped through the lineup, condemning Pakistan to defeat.
Historic Low as WTC Hopes Fade
The loss confirms Pakistan’s fall to 8th place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has surged to 5th — a remarkable turnaround. Pakistan has now lost seven consecutive away Tests, with their last victory dating back to July 2023. Upcoming tours to the West Indies and England offer little hope for immediate redemption.
“Nothing Left Except Shame” – Akmal’s Verdict
Kamran Akmal, speaking on the Game Plan YouTube channel, pulled no punches. While applauding Bangladesh’s resilience amid national unrest, he labeled Pakistan’s performance as deeply shameful.
“There is nothing left except shame,” Akmal stated. “We have been saying the same things for six or seven years. Nothing has changed.”
He pointed to dysfunctional decision-making, particularly criticizing non-cricketing figures whose egos, he claims, interfere with merit-based selection. “When you select by parachute, merit and skill are zero to you,” he said, calling for accountability at the highest levels.
PSL Priorities vs National Duty
Akmal highlighted the stark contrast in player fitness between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket. “In PSL, not a single player is ever unfit. Domestic cricket starts, and fitness letters start coming in,” he observed, suggesting a troubling lack of commitment to national cause.
He also condemned the PCB’s rigid fitness standards, arguing they prematurely end careers. “A player who can score 100, 200, bowl 18 overs a day — you are finishing his cricket career because he couldn’t do one jump,” Akmal lamented.
Call for Hard Decisions, Inspired by India
Referencing India’s handling of senior players like Pujara, Rahane, and Dhawan, Akmal stressed the need for tough, emotion-free decisions. “Cricket first, team first. Here they bring friendships onto the field,” he said, implying favoritism undermines performance.
Looking ahead, Akmal offered little optimism. “Practically speaking, I don’t see things improving in the next four or five years,” he warned. “If you want to get better, you will have to make big, hard decisions. Otherwise nothing will improve.”
With the World Test Championship dream effectively over and confidence at a new low, Pakistan cricket faces not just a performance crisis — but an existential one.
