‘Incompetent, illiterate’: Shoaib Akhtar slams Mohsin Naqvi after Pakistan’s defeat to India

India dominate Pakistan as Akhtar questions leadership and long-term planning in Pakistan cricket

February 16, 2026

India thrash Pakistan by 61 runs; Akhtar questions PCB leadership

Former pacer blasts PCB leadership following India’s 61-run win in T20 World Cup clash

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a scathing attack on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash.

After the loss, Akhtar criticised both the team’s performance and the board’s leadership, saying Pakistan were “nowhere in the match” and questioning the direction of cricket administration in the country.

“We were nowhere in the match. This is not the requirement of modern-day cricket. These are not the talents that will handle pressure. For the last 15–20 years, there has been no investment,” Akhtar said during an appearance on a news channel.

He went on to accuse the PCB leadership of incompetence, alleging that the team’s struggles stem from poor administration and long-term planning failures.

Akhtar also took aim at senior batter Babar Azam, saying the team has elevated individuals without delivering consistent match-winning performances in high-pressure games.

India dominate arch-rivals

India registered a commanding 61-run win to extend their head-to-head lead over Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches to 8-1.

After being put in to bat, India posted a competitive 175/7 on a challenging surface, powered by a blistering 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 off 29 deliveries, while Shivam Dube added a quickfire 27 off 17 balls.

For Pakistan, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler with figures of 3/25. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with a wicket each.

Pakistan’s collapse

Pakistan’s run chase got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 13 runs in the first two overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya struck early blows, while Axar Patel tightened the screws in the middle overs.

Babar Azam struggled to accelerate and was dismissed cheaply, leaving Pakistan in deeper trouble. Despite a brief resistance from Usman Khan, who scored 44, regular wickets derailed the innings.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.

Axar Patel finished with 2/29, while Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy picked up two wickets each to seal a comprehensive victory.

The defeat has intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s cricket structure, with Akhtar’s remarks reflecting growing frustration among former players and fans alike.

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