Karachi: Former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has urged the Pakistan cricket team to retire from friendly and start thinking about the team after their defeat in the second T20I against England in Birmingham on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 184, the Babar Azam-led side were all out for 160 runs in 19.2 overs. It was Pakistan’s eighth defeat against England in their last 11 matches.
In an interview after the match, Akmal said that he had to move on to the idea of friendship and start trusting other players who were waiting for their chance on the bench. Gary also said that Kirsten should think about the team and drop players who don’t perform.
Akmal said on his YouTube channel, “The difference between Pakistan and England is that they have a good plan, the way Pakistan protect the target with their bowling, even if they line up deep.”
He has been playing with this appearance and performance for 2.5 years now, but this is the Pakistan team, not some region or club.
Saim Ayub played 20 games, look at his form, other players come here, also come with performances. You have 15 players with you, so let’s play. Whatever you do it, don’t think that Pakistanis won’t say anything.”
Akmal, who was part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup-winning team in 2009, expressed that he expected more from Kirsten and urged him to use his power as head coach and make the necessary changes in the team.
“I expect more because he is a good coach. If [the player] does not change, then he must show his strength. This is what it takes to manage. Please unfriend. Fair play, tell me why Abrar [Ahmed] is still not playing? He said.
“Should we think that Pakistan can’t win against big teams? Or leaders should start thinking about the team. Everyone plays for themselves, but how can you improve the level of cricket if you don’t think about the team and start playing good cricket?”