‘Headless-Chicken Management’: Shoaib Akhtar Blasts Pakistan’s Captain and Board
The Pakistan cricket team’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak as they slumped to a five-wicket defeat against arch-rivals India in the final played in Dubai on September 28, 2025. Led by Agha Salman, the Men in Green lost all three encounters against India in the tournament — first in the group stage, then the Super Four, and finally the title clash.
The loss has triggered a storm of criticism, with former cricketers and fans expressing their disappointment. Among the loudest voices was none other than legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who tore into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), team management, and captain Agha Salman.
“Captain is Not Inspiring Enough”: Shoaib Akhtar
Speaking on ARY News, Shoaib Akhtar accused the PCB of deliberately avoiding strong personalities within the team setup. The Rawalpindi Express claimed the board prefers “obedient kids” over players with genuine character and fighting spirit.
Akhtar said bluntly:
“Humey ab shareef bacche chahiyen, jo aaath baje curfew lagake ghar pey bait jaayen. Cricket board ko in jaisey bechare, lallu-kattu chahiye. They don’t want strong personalities. This is the reflection of the PCB policies. Where will the attitude come when the captain is not inspiring? The captain is a reflection of the board’s choices.”
His remarks underline growing concerns in Pakistan cricket about leadership voids and lack of accountability in management.
Criticism of Team Management and PCB
Akhtar did not stop there. He further lashed out at the team’s “senseless” and “headless-chicken” management, claiming that the poor team combinations and lack of strategy cost Pakistan dearly.
The 49-year-old also revealed why he chose never to work with the PCB after his retirement.
“Senseless and headless-chicken management. The team combinations weren’t right, the captaincy wasn’t spot-on, and they weren’t willing to listen to us. From the first day after my retirement, I had decided I will never join PCB as whoever has gone there has never come out with respect. I work in TV, take money, and sit. These guys don’t want strong personalities.”
What Next for Pakistan?
The Asia Cup 2025 disappointment adds further pressure on Agha Salman’s captaincy, especially with the South Africa tour of Pakistan around the corner. Between October 12 and November 8, Pakistan will host South Africa in an all-format series, featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
With the ICC Champions Trophy and World Cup cycles approaching, Pakistan fans will be hoping the team learns quickly from its Asia Cup failures. However, if Shoaib Akhtar’s words are anything to go by, the PCB may have bigger problems to solve off the field before they translate into results on it.
