Shoaib Akhtar slams Ramiz Raja for making ‘excuses’ after Pakistan’s loss against England
Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar (Image Credit: Twitter)
The first Test match between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi saw a flat and undeteriorating wicket. On one hand, the Three Lions were making efforts to win the game. On the other hand, the home team was looking clueless, especially their bowling. In the end, the Ben Stokes-led side won the game by 74 runs on the last day of the game with only a few overs left in the game.
At a time when the cricket fraternity is praising England, former Pakistan speedster, Shoaib Akhtar is bashing his national side. He said that the team couldn’t grab the chances that were availed to them. He also raised a question of whether Pakistan have declared the inning if they were in England’s position. The 46-Test veteran added that England made the game interesting.
“Pakistan did not even take the chance which were availed to them. England gave them a chance to save the Test match but Pakistan did not take it. There’s a difference in mindset. The situation where England declared yesterday, would Pakistan have done the same? They wouldn’t have. Their coach McCullum said that they’ll play a run a ball in Test cricket,” said Akhtar. “They won’t go for draws. Joe Root said they want to save Test Cricket. . Where are you heading with this mindset? I was there and felt sad by the approach. You can’t play with lack of courage.”
“It’s very disappointing. England made the effort to make this Test match interesting. They gave Pakistan a chance to avoid a draw. You (Pakistan) play well and win. 350 in this wicket is not a big deal. You have already scored 150. I did not see any intent or capability. No disrespect to the youngsters. Naseem Shah, you played well. But England deserve to win. No questions about it,” Akhtar further explained.
You have the authority to make better pitched: Shoaib Akhtar
During the game, PCB chairperson, Ramiz Raja raised questions over the pitch. After the game, he said that England did well even on a dead surface. To which, the Rawalpindi player slammed Raha by saying that the latter has the authority to make good wickets.
“Chairman himself saying we should have made a better wicket and England batted well. Oo bhaiji, chairman aap hai (Brother, you are the chairman); you have the authority to make better pitches,” he concluded.
