“Will You Steal ICC Trophies Now?” Kamran Akmal Blasts Pakistan After ODI Loss to Bangladesh
Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal launched a severe critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team following their 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh. The series concluded with an 11-run loss at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, intensifying scrutiny on Pakistan’s performance after their early elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh Secures Series with 11-Run Victory
In the deciding third ODI, Bangladesh posted 290 for five after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl. Tanzid Hasan anchored the innings with a 98-ball 107, hitting six fours and seven sixes. He established a 105-run partnership with Saif Hassan (36). Middle-order contributions from Litton Das (41) and Towhid Hridoy (48) fortified the total.
Haris Rauf led the Pakistan bowling attack with three wickets, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and spinner Abrar Ahmed secured one wicket each.
Match Summary Statistics
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 290/5 (50 Overs) | Tanzid Hasan (107 off 98 balls) |
| Pakistan | 279 All Out (50 Overs) | Salman Ali Agha (106 off 98 balls) |
Pakistan’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing 291, Pakistan experienced a top-order collapse, falling to 82 for five. Salman Ali Agha initiated a counterattack, scoring 106 runs off 98 deliveries to keep the team in contention. Despite his century, Pakistan failed to sustain the momentum after his dismissal in the 48th over. The visitors were bowled out for 279 on the final delivery of the match.
Taskin Ahmed dismantled the batting lineup, taking four wickets for Bangladesh, supported by Mustafizur Rahman who claimed three wickets.
Akmal’s Criticism of Team Strategy and Administration
Reacting to the defeat on a television broadcast, Kamran Akmal questioned both the tactical decisions made on the field and the overarching management by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Akmal specifically targeted the decision to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface.
- Tactical Errors: Akmal noted the pitch conditions favored batting, stating, “It was a good pitch. Why did you choose to bowl first? They could have easily scored 350 today. Litton Das played slowly at the end and still they got 290, yet we lost.”
- Current Team Standing: Emphasizing the drop in performance standards, he remarked, “The condition is such that now even the Netherlands would want to play a series against us, beat us and get Test status.”
- Administrative Oversight: Referencing controversies surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup arrangements, Akmal directed comments directly at the PCB administration: “For God’s sake, think about Pakistan cricket. You have made a mockery of it. When you don’t win series against teams, how will you progress? If you don’t beat teams in matches, will you now steal ICC trophies and bring them home?”
The series defeat places immediate pressure on the Pakistan administration to restructure their tactical approach before their next international cycle begins. For comprehensive historical data and upcoming fixture schedules, refer to ESPNcricinfo.