'Pakistan on ventilator': Shoaib Akhtar reveals PCB’s 'nothing' expectation

"Pakistan Cricket on a Ventilator" – Shoaib Akhtar's Brutal Verdict as PCB Sweeps Squad Changes

Namaste, cricket lovers! 🙏 Let me share some dramatic news that's got the Pakistan camp in complete turmoil.

Pakistan's disastrous England tour has triggered a massive overhaul, with the PCB making huge changes before even the third Test has begun. England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead after demoling Pakistan by an innings & 103 runs at Headingley, then a 194-run win at Lord's.

Coaching & Squad Overhaul

The coaching setup has been reshuffled—Sarfaraz Ahmed & Umar Gul have departed, with Mike Hesson taking charge & Ashley Noffke joining as assistant. More shockingly, the PCB removed 7 players from the squad for the final Test, including senior names Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq & Salman Ali Agha—clearly turning toward younger blood.

Akhtar's Blunt Assessment

Speaking on the OutSide EDGE show, Shoaib Akhtar revealed the PCB has "lost confidence" in the current squad. He quoted a PCB official's chilling response when asked what they expect from the team: "Nothing."

The official reportedly described Pakistan cricket as being "on a ventilator," predicting it could take ~2 years to revive the setup.

Players to Protect

Akhtar stressed that during this transition, the careers of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah & Haris Rauf must be protected—"These guys have a lot of cricket left in them."

No Fight Shown

Critically, Akhtar noted Pakistan simply "didn't have the fight in us" against England. He also highlighted infrastructure work at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore—marking the first such developments in 26 years.

Pakistan now travel to Edgbaston to prevent a 3-0 whitewash, but the PCB's bold signals suggest they're viewing the problems as far bigger than just this tour.

What do you all think about this massive rebuild? 💭

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Source: Times of India