Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has launched a scathing attack on the national team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the selectors following their crushing 2-1 ODI series defeat against Bangladesh.
In a scathing remark, Akmal questioned the team’s professional standards, famously asking if their intention was to “steal” the trophy rather than win it on the field.
Historic Low in Dhaka
Kamran Akmal’s criticism came after a dramatic series decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Chasing 291 for victory, Pakistan fell short by 11 runs despite a brilliant century from Salman Ali Agha (106 off 98 balls). Tanzid Hasan’s 107 runs and Taskin Ahmed’s four-wicket haul helped Bangladesh win their first ODI series over Pakistan in 11 years.
Notably, Pakistan entered the series without several senior players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, as the team management decided to give younger players a chance. It was later revealed that both were suffering from injuries sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
However, the comparatively less experienced lineup struggled to capitalize on the opportunity and failed to handle the pressure at crucial moments in the series.
‘Do you want to steal the ICC trophy?’
Furious with Pakistan’s defeat against Bangladesh, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal launched a scathing attack on the team, selectors, and administration.
Speaking on a show called ‘Game Plan,’ Akmal did not hold back. His anger was at its peak when he spoke about Pakistan’s failure to win major tournaments or bilateral series against lower-ranked teams.
Akmal said, “For God’s sake, think about Pakistan cricket. Look at the level we have fallen to. The Netherlands must be thinking that if they get to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, they can achieve Test status, because they can beat us too. You have made a mockery of your own cricket. You people don’t care.”
Akmal also criticized the team’s tactical decisions during the crucial match, saying, “You lost the match. What were you experimenting with? It was a good pitch. Why did you choose to bowl? Why didn’t you bat? They could have scored 350. Liton Das was slow in the end, which is why Bangladesh were bundled out for 290. That was the series decider. When you don’t win series against teams, how will you move forward? Are you planning to steal the ICC trophy? (Are you planning to steal the ICC trophy?)”
Growing Crisis for Pakistan Cricket
The defeat to Bangladesh marks the end of a bad period for Pakistan cricket. Their troubles weren’t limited to the bilateral series in Bangladesh. The team also performed poorly in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, failing to reach the semi-finals.
During the tournament, the Men in Green lost their group-stage match against India and later suffered another defeat to England in the Super 8 stage. Their Super 8 match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain.
Pakistan had a mathematical chance of advancing before their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka, where they needed to win by at least 65 runs to secure a place in the semi-finals. Although Pakistan won the match by five runs, the margin was not enough to keep their hopes alive. This defeat marked the fourth consecutive ICC tournament in which Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, raising further questions about the team’s performance and long-term direction.