Kamran Akmal Slams PCB Chairman And Asks Him To Resign Following Pakistan’s Disastrous Run

April 3, 2025: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to step down from his position if he is unable to improve the current state of the men’s cricket team. Akmal’s comments came after Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI of their series, which saw them lose the series 2-0.

The Pakistani side, led by Mohammad Rizwan, fell to a heavy 84-run loss, continuing their poor run of form after a disappointing T20I series and an early exit from the Champions Trophy title defence. The defeat highlighted the many flaws in the team, with Pakistan failing to capitalize on key moments in the game.

Akmal, speaking on his YouTube channel, did not hold back in his criticism. He called the situation “shameful” and made a direct plea to the PCB chairman, stating that if he couldn’t turn the team’s fortunes around, he should resign rather than damage his reputation further. “It is shameful. The PCB chairman should think that if he can’t control, he should resign and leave. Don’t ruin your reputation. If you don’t want to do that, then improve the status of the current team,” Akmal stated.

The veteran cricketer also tore into Pakistan’s bowling performance during the second ODI in Hamilton. Despite putting New Zealand on the back foot at 132/5, Pakistan’s bowlers allowed Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas to dominate, lifting the Kiwis to 292/8. Akmal blamed the bowlers’ indisciplined line and lengths, adding that if they couldn’t perform on a pitch offering bounce and swing, they would struggle to compete even in conditions that were more suited to their strengths.

“If Pakistan bowlers can’t bowl on such a turf, where will they deliver? In Asia, they say there is nothing for bowlers. On venues where something is on offer, they don’t do anything. Should they play disabled players against us? We don’t know where to bowl. It means there should be a change,” Akmal remarked.

Pakistan’s batting also came under fire, with the team falling to a dismal 65/6 at one stage. It was Faheem Ashraf’s 73 off 80 balls and a late charge from Naseem Shah, who scored a quick 51 off 44 balls as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf, that lifted Pakistan to a more respectable total of 208.

Akmal praised Ashraf’s fightback but lamented that Pakistan’s batting was exposed once their captain, Babar Azam, was dismissed. “Faheem Ashraf saved us. We don’t need runs from Naseem; we need wickets from him. Our batters don’t have any idea. When Babar got out, the batting lineup got exposed,” he said. He concluded by criticizing the coaching staff, suggesting that no one in the team seemed to regret the loss apart from the coach, stating, “You are destroying Pakistan’s cricket.”

Akmal’s remarks reflect the growing frustration within the Pakistani cricket community, as the team continues to struggle against top-tier sides. Many believe that changes within the team and leadership are necessary to restore the team’s competitive edge on the international stage.