Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has lashed out at his own team coach, Mike Hesson.
Following Pakistan’s crushing defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, Akhtar even called Hesson “brainless.”
Not only that, he also called himself a “fraud” on live TV.
Shoaib’s anger at Hesson
Shoaib Akhtar questioned Mike Hesson’s decisions on the TV show “Game On Hai.” In particular, he called the decision to play Hussain Talat in the match against India absurd.
Akhtar said, “The coach should be questioned – where is his brain? This is ridiculous coaching and ridiculous team selection. This is beyond my understanding. It feels like I’m the cheater, unable to understand anything even after playing cricket for 15 years.”
He also said that sending Hussain Talat to bat at number four was incomprehensible. Talat scored just 10 runs in 11 balls against India, without hitting a single boundary.
On the other hand, Akhtar also expressed displeasure over the exclusion of a talented batsman like Hasan Nawaz.
How will Shoaib improve Pakistan cricket?
Shoaib Malik asked Akhtar what he would do if he were given the top post in the PCB. Akhtar stated that he would form a strong selection committee and focus on teamwork.
He said, “First of all, the PCB will never ask me for this job. The reason is that I will do the right thing, whatever is necessary.
I’m not asking you to give me authority. I believe in teamwork. I believe in logic. I believe in working together.”
Akhtar also stated that he would fully support young players, especially players like Sam Ayub.
He said, “To fix Pakistan cricket, if I were given three years and entrusted with the responsibility, I would have to give the kids confidence. I would tell them, ‘Saim Ayub beta, go and play.
Abhishek Sharma has a license, you should play too. It’s okay, if you get out, you won’t be dropped. Saim beta, the whole year is for you.’ I’ll see how they perform. He (Saim Ayub) is scared, poor guy.”
Shoaib said that players like Sam are not able to perform well because of fear. If they are given the opportunity and confidence, they can do wonders.
Now Pakistan’s next match is against Sri Lanka, which is a do or die match for them.
