Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has long been known as one of the harshest critics of Pakistan cricket. He has repeatedly targeted the Pakistan Cricket Board for what he calls poor leadership and mismanagement.
Shoaib appeared visibly angry after Pakistan were comprehensively beaten by India. In his outburst, he referred to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi as a jaahil and questioned his competence.
However, just 24 hours later, Shoaib appeared on national television to clarify his remarks. He stated that his comments were misunderstood and were not specifically aimed at Mohsin Naqvi.
Shoaib claimed that the Indian media had twisted his words. He said his criticism was directed at the top brass running international cricket rather than at Mohsin Naqvi personally.
He added that Mohsin Naqvi was a good person who wanted to help Pakistan cricket. According to Shoaib, the real issue was that Naqvi was not receiving the right advice from those around him.
This sudden change in tone has stunned Indian social media users. Many called it the quickest U turn ever taken by the former pacer, famously known as the Rawalpindi Express.
Others expressed concern for Shoaib Akhtar’s safety and freedom. They pointed to the oppressive nature of the Pakistani establishment and drew comparisons with the situation faced by former captain Imran Khan.
With PCB officials increasingly being labelled as yes men, critics believe Pakistan cricket is heading towards further decline. Many fear that worse performances and controversies may still lie ahead.
