‘Hopefully some sense prevails' - Shoaib Akhtar sends clear message on Pakistan’s team selection during Asia Cup 2025

Divy Dubey

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‘Hopefully some sense prevails' - Shoaib Akhtar sends clear message on Pakistan’s team selection during Asia Cup 2025 image

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Pakistan's campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 has been far from straightforward. With back-to-back must-win situations and growing debate over the best XI, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made his thoughts clear on the team's selection approach.

Speaking on Game On Hai on PTV Sports ahead of Pakistan's clash with Sri Lanka, Akhtar questioned the logic of persisting with the same middle order and urged selectors to take bold calls.

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Shoaib Akhtar criticises repeated mistakes in Pakistan team's selection

Akhtar argued that Pakistan had been carrying too much confusion around balancing the attack with fast bowlers and spinners. He expressed frustration that the same middle-order combination had been retained despite repeated failures.

"I’m certain they will play the same side again, with the same middle order. That's going to be sad to see. Hopefully some sense prevails when it comes to picking the right team," Akhtar said on the show.

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He even suggested that he, alongside senior figures like Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, had put forward alternative team combinations that could strengthen Pakistan's chances.

Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat rescue Pakistan after batting collapse

Despite Akhtar's concerns, Pakistan eventually scraped through against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. Chasing 134, the side stumbled from 43 for 0 to 80 for 5 - before Mohammad Nawaz (38* off 24) and Hussain Talat (32* off 30) stitched an unbroken 58-run stand to secure a five-wicket win.

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Earlier, Shaheen Afridi's three wickets and Talat's double strike with the ball restricted Sri Lanka to 133 for 8. The nervy win kept Pakistan's tournament hopes alive while leaving Sri Lanka on the brink of elimination.

But Akhtar's words highlighted the deeper question facing the team: whether short-term results can hide recurring selection flaws.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.