‘I’m the fraud’: Shoaib Akhtar brutally attacks Pakistan coach, calls his coaching ‘mindless’ | Cricket News

Former Pakistan quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a blistering assault on coach Mike Hesson after the group’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s conflict in Dubai. Akhtar questioned the coach’s decision-making, notably on why he included Hussain Talat in the enjoying XI. Talat batted at No.4, managing simply 10 runs off 11 balls with no boundary, and his gradual innings stalled Pakistan’s momentum as they completed on 171/5, whereas they appeared nicely on the right track to hitting 200 or extra. “The coach should be asked the questions – where are his brains? It is just senseless coaching and senseless selection of the team. It is beyond me, it feels like I am the one who is a fraud, who doesn’t understand a thing after playing 15 years of cricket,” Akhtar mentioned on the ‘Game On Hai’ programme.He was livid about Talat’s function in such a key match. “In the last five-six games, we have been saying just play the right team. In an important fixture, you thought about playing Hussain Talat? How did you even think about it? What is his utility? Tell me,” he requested. During the identical panel dialogue, Shoaib Malik requested Akhtar what he would change if he had been made PCB chairman. The 50-year-old responded by first dismissing the thought. “First of all, PCB will never ask me to do this job. The reason is that I’m going to do the right thing, whatever is necessary. I’m not saying give me the power. I believe in teamwork. I believe in logic. I believe in working together,” he mentioned. Akhtar careworn he would undertake a special method if ever given the function. “It’s not about ‘give me the power and I’ll fix it.’ No, no, no, it’s not like that. I would rather have a 20-member selection committee. I will take their advice: ‘What do you guys say? Tell me,’” he defined.

The former pacer additionally mentioned younger gamers have to be backed persistently. “To fix Pakistan cricket, if I am given three years and handed the command, the children must be given confidence. I will tell them ‘Saim Ayub, son, go play… No problem, you won’t get dropped if you get out,’” Akhtar mentioned.