New Delhi: Pakistani cricket is in a freefall. Even former cricketers and analysts are now convinced that there’s no redemption left for the national team—except one: steal trophies. They watch the team play not to analyse but to view it as “a comedy serial”.
Former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board, along with the national team’s selectors, coaches and players, after Pakistan suffered their first One Day International series defeat in 11 years against the Bangladesh national cricket team Sunday.
The humiliating defeat follows the team’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they failed to reach the Super 8 stage.
With the series level at 1-1 heading into the decider, Pakistan chose to bowl first in the third ODI as Bangladesh scored 290 for 5. Pakistan’s chase ended at 279 all out.
Although the final over was marred by a dispute over the Decision Review System, the controversy did little to distract from Pakistan’s overall underwhelming performance.
‘Mockery of cricket’
Former right-handed wikcetkeeper batsmen Kamran Akmal slammed the Pakistan team after the series loss, asking whether the team intends to steal a trophy for ‘success’.
“For god’s sake, think about Pakistan cricket. Just see the levels we have gone down to. The Netherlands must be thinking that if they get to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, they can attain Test status, as they can also beat us. You have made a mockery of your cricket. You people just don’t care,” Akmal said on the ‘Game Plan’ show.
He added, “When you do not win the series against teams, how will you progress? ICC trophy chori karke leke aani hai? ( You plan to steal the ICC trophies?).”
Former coaches agreed with Akmal. Mohammad Yousaf, former PCT coach, congratulated Bangladesh for a convincing win and wrote on X: “After the heartbreak of Bangladesh’s #T20WorldCup disqualification, congratulations on convincingly beating Pakistan in the series, #SalmanAliAgha once again proving he is better batting lower down the order.
Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad was even harsher. He said the team had stepped to the level of an associate team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad criticised the team’s management for failing to make meaningful changes after their disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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‘Bilateral series with Namibia’
Earlier in March, Pakistan introduced four new debutants in its ODI series against Bangladesh. They were Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Abdul Samad and Maaz Sadaqat. It is the first time a Pakistan ODI side features as many debutants since 2008, and just the second time since 1980, a decision made by coach Mike Hesson.
Shahzad questioned the decision to introduce inexperienced players without a clear plan and then cite young players as an excuse following the recent series defeat.
“When you refuse to acknowledge your mistakes, you cannot move forward,” he said, also questioning the team’s tactics, including the choice to bowl first after winning the toss and the example being set by senior players.
Shehzad also took a dig at selector Aaqib Javed, who had defended Pakistan’s recent record by pointing to victories over Australia and South Africa. Shehzad argued that those wins came against weakened lineups rather than full-strength sides.
He added that Pakistan’s declining performances were damaging the team’s reputation, saying rival teams were beginning to treat them like Zimbabwe.
Now, even Hesson has come under fire after Aaqib Javed, in a press conference Monday in Islamabad, said that they are not pleased with the ultimate authority handed to Hesson and will review the selection.
Amid all of this, it was a Reddit user who summed up Pakistan cricket’s current situation: “PCB should Next host a bilateral series with Namibia to boost morale.”
(Edited by Saptak Datta)