'Brainless Captaincy'—Shoaib Akhtar on Pak’s Loss

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has once again voiced his frustration over Pakistan’s lackluster performance against India, branding the leadership as “brainless captaincy.” The Rawalpindi Express did not hold back as he dissected Pakistan’s defeat, highlighting what he believes to be a series of poor tactical decisions and a lack of aggression during the high-voltage Pakistan vs. India clash.

Akhtar Questions Leadership and Strategy

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, Akhtar criticized the leadership approach that, according to him, cost Pakistan the game. He pointed to defensive captaincy, weak field placements, and confused bowling changes that allowed India to dominate key phases of the match.

“It was brainless captaincy from start to finish. No game awareness, no aggression, and no clear plan,” Akhtar remarked. “You can’t win big games with a passive mindset.”

The former pacer, known for his fiery pace and equally fiery opinions, said Pakistan’s team seemed to be reacting rather than executing a planned strategy. He added that critical moments were mishandled, reflecting a lack of preparation and confidence in leadership decisions.

Fans Echo Akhtar’s Concerns

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions following the defeat. Many fans echoed Akhtar’s views, criticizing the captain for being overly cautious in pressure situations.

The loss against India not only disappointed millions of fans but also reignited a familiar debate—Pakistan’s inability to handle big-match pressure. Critics pointed out that similar issues have persisted for years, suggesting a deeper problem in the team’s overall mindset and planning.

Key Tactical Mistakes

Analysts have pointed to several questionable decisions made during the match. Pakistan’s bowlers failed to capitalize on early breakthroughs, with bowling rotations coming under heavy scrutiny. Additionally, the batting order appeared uncertain, as middle-order players struggled to build partnerships.

Akhtar noted that the team lacked intent, both in the field and at the crease. “When you play against India, you must show fight. The team looked like it was playing for survival rather than victory,” he added.

Call for Change Before Major Tournaments

With the ICC World Cup 2025 approaching, Shoaib Akhtar urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address leadership flaws before it’s too late. He emphasized the need for tactical awareness, fearless decision-making, and clear game plans to compete against top-tier teams.

“This team has talent, but it needs strong leadership. You can’t afford indecision in modern cricket,” Akhtar warned.

He also called for mentorship programs involving former players to help current stars manage high-pressure moments more effectively. According to Akhtar, the lack of psychological preparation and situational awareness continues to haunt Pakistan in critical matches.

A Familiar Pattern of Collapse

This is not the first time Akhtar has criticized Pakistan’s approach against India. Over the years, he has frequently pointed out recurring patterns — slow starts, inconsistent bowling strategies, and mental lapses at crucial stages.

Pakistan’s fans, while frustrated, remain hopeful that the team will learn from these setbacks. Many believe that constructive criticism from veterans like Akhtar could push the management to implement meaningful reforms.