Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on Pakistan cricket’s leadership after the team’s humiliating 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup clash on February 15, 2026, in Colombo. Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back as he dissected both the performance on the field and the management off it following yet another high-profile loss to their arch-rivals.

India posted 175 on the board and then bowled Pakistan out for 114 in a one-sided contest. The defeat once again exposed Pakistan’s struggles in major ICC tournaments and further tilted the T20 World Cup head-to-head record heavily in India’s favour. Speaking on ABP News, Shoaib Akhtar first criticised the team’s on-field intensity. “We were nowhere in the match,” he said bluntly.

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He also questioned the pace and impact of Shaheen Afridi’s bowling, pointing out that operating at 125 kmph is not enough in modern-day cricket.  According to Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan currently lack players capable of handling pressure in marquee clashes.

He then shifted focus to the structural issues within Pakistan cricket. “For the last 15-20 years, there has been no investment,” Akhtar remarked, highlighting what he believes is long-term administrative failure. He added that there was a time when Pakistan could genuinely challenge India, but that belief has now faded.

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Akhtar reserved his strongest words for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “One guy who doesn’t know anything has become chairman. What can you do? How will the team run?” he asked. He also criticised the over-reliance on Babar Azam, suggesting that star status has not translated into match-winning performances.

With Naqvi present in Colombo alongside senior PCB officials, pressure is mounting on the board to respond with accountability and a clear roadmap forward.