Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has voiced strong criticism over Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand, labeling the 4-1 defeat as humiliating.
He urged team management to prioritize merit-based selection instead of favoritism, drawing comparisons with India’s structured approach to team building.
Pakistan’s struggles persisted in Wellington, where they suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the final match, capping off a dismal series.
Read More: PSL Exhibition Match Faces Uncertainty After PCB’s Venue Review
Analyzing the team’s performance, Akmal suggested that Pakistan appeared disorganized and lacked competitiveness throughout the series.
He highlighted India’s dominance in international cricket, attributing their consistent success to a fair selection process that focuses on performance rather than personal connections.
Akmal also pointed out that even India’s younger players, many of whom play in the IPL, could have performed better than Pakistan’s current squad.
Read More: PCB Reveals Data and Teams for Exhibition Match at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium
Following the defeat, captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that New Zealand had completely outclassed Pakistan.
However, he remained hopeful that the team could take some positives from the series.
He acknowledged New Zealand’s superiority but praised individual efforts, such as Hasan Ali and Haris’ batting performances in Auckland and Sufiyan’s bowling in the final game.
Salman stressed that despite the disappointing outcome, the team’s primary objective remained preparing for major upcoming tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Read More: CT 2025: PCB Faces Huge Financial Loss Despite Hosting Event
Reflecting on his own performance, he stated that personal achievements held little significance when the team failed to secure victories.
With the T20I series behind them, Pakistan will now shift focus to the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which is set to commence on Saturday at McLean Park.
The Men in Green will now play in ODI series against the home side.
