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'It Was Embarrassing' - Wasim Akram Tears Away Pakistan Post Afghanistan Loss

image-lo3ts7c9Afghanistan players post defeating Pakistan in Chennai (AP Photo)

Disappointment was palpable on the face of Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram after their disastrous loss to Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 league-stage clash in Chennai on Monday (October 23). 

Wasim lambasted Babar Azam & company for an "embarrassing" performance and poor overall fitness standards on display at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

Speaking on 'A Sports', Wasim criticised Pakistan's failure to defend the competitive 283-run target on a tricky surface at Chepauk against their inexperienced Afghani counterparts, who produced a remarkable performance to clinch one of the most memorable upsets in World Cup history. 

Notably, it was Pakistan's third consecutive loss in the campaign. Babar's men entered the tournament with impressive victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka but have since suffered gut-wrenching defeats to India, Australia and Afghanistan. 


Wasim Takes Pakistan To Task After Afghanistan Loss 

All three defeats exposed the chinks in Pakistan's batting while laying bare lack of substantial depth and quality in the bowling department. However, Wasim turned his scrutiny towards the team's falling fitness standards, too, asking if the players have been overeating in a period where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced allegations of ignoring fitness. 

"It was embarrassing today. To reach 280-odd losing just two wickets is pretty big. Wet pitch or no, look at the fielding, the fitness levels. We've been screaming for the last 3 weeks that these players haven't undergone a fitness test in the last two years," said a frustrated Wasim. 


"If I start taking individual names, their faces will drop. Looks like these guys are eating 8 kilos of mutton everyday. Should there not be tests. Professionally you guys are getting paid, playing for your country. There has to be a certain criteria." 


"Misbah (ul Haq), when he was coach, had that criteria. Players hated him but it worked. Fielding is all about fitness and that's where we are lacking. Now we have reached that same position, where we will pray for ifs and buts to happen," he added. 



Standing on the verge of elimination with just two wins in five matches, Pakistan next face-off versus the mighty South Africans in Chennai on Friday (October 27).