Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has gone viral for a furious on-air rant following Pakistan’s narrow defeat to England in the T20 World Cup Super 8s. Akhtar, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back as he questioned the leadership of captain Salman Ali Agha, explicitly stating that the player is “not captaincy material.” This harsh assessment marks a significant U-turn for the “Rawalpindi Express,” who had initially supported Salman’s appointment. Akhtar’s frustration appeared to stem from a combination of the team’s poor tactical execution and his own dashed hopes of seeing a rivalry-fueled semi-final scenario.
The emotional meltdown was triggered by a tense match in Pallekele, where England successfully chased down a target of 166. Despite Pakistan having England in early trouble at 58/4, a historic century by England captain Harry Brook turned the tide and sealed a semi-final spot for the defending champions. Before the game, Akhtar had openly admitted on the show ‘Game On Hai’ that his joy would know no bounds if England won and India were subsequently knocked out, allowing Pakistan to slide into the semi-finals. However, with this loss and a previous washout against New Zealand, Pakistan’s fate is no longer in their own hands, leaving their campaign hanging by a thread.
The veteran cricketer’s comments have sparked a massive debate on social media, with fans divided over his blunt criticism of the young captain. While some agree that the leadership lacked tactical depth during Brook’s onslaught, others feel Akhtar’s “meltdown” was overly reactionary. Pakistan now faces a daunting path to qualification, needing a massive win against Sri Lanka while hoping for other results—specifically New Zealand losing their remaining fixtures—to fall in their favor. As the pressure mounts, Akhtar’s viral quotes have become a symbol of the growing despair among Pakistani fans and experts alike.
