Pakistan’s troubles deepened on Sunday after a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh triggered fierce criticism from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who questioned the state of the country’s cricket with a scathing remark: “If you don’t beat teams in matches, will you now steal ICC trophies and bring them home?”
The outburst came after Bangladesh edged Pakistan by 11 runs in the third and final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka to seal the series. The defeat compounds Pakistan’s struggles following their disappointing early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh posted 290 for five after being asked to bat, powered by a superb century from Tanzid Hasan. The opener struck a fluent 107 off 98 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes, and shared a 105-run stand with Saif Hassan, who made 36. Later contributions from Litton Das (41) and Towhid Hridoy (48) ensured the hosts set a challenging target.
Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Haris Rauf, who claimed three wickets, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and spinner Abrar Ahmed took one each.
Chasing 291, Pakistan were rocked early and slumped to 82 for five before Salman Ali Agha mounted a spirited counterattack. Agha smashed 106 off 98 balls to keep Pakistan in the hunt, but his dismissal in the 48th over proved decisive as the visitors were bowled out for 279 off the final delivery.
Taskin Ahmed starred with the ball for Bangladesh, taking four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with three.
Reacting to the defeat on a television show, Akmal launched a blistering attack on Pakistan cricket’s administration and decision-making.
“The condition is such that now even the Netherlands would want to play a series against us, beat us and get Test status. This is the condition of Pakistan cricket now,” Akmal said.
He questioned Pakistan’s tactical choices as well. “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.”
Akmal also took a swipe at Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi, referencing the controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup trophy presentation.
“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?”
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