“Senseless coaching” - Frustrated Shoaib Akhtar slams skipper Salman Ali Agha & coach Mike Hesson

Shoaib Akhtar, a former bowler for Pakistan, was unreserved in his criticism of head coach Mike Hesson for the team's poor performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup. Even though they were in a very comfortable position, Pakistan lost to India by a significant margin of five wickets in the finals on Sunday in Dubai.

Pakistan, who were asked to bat first, got off to a great start but ended up scoring 146 after losing the final nine wickets in just 33 runs. They got off to a strong start once more, taking three wickets early, but Indian batsmen, particularly Tilak, brought Indian back in the game and then ultimately brought India home.

“It is the fault of the management that is not thinking right. Talking about senseless coaching, I would probably say. I probably – I am going to, sorry to say these kinds of harsh words, but it’s senseless coaching,” Akhtar said on Tapmad, talking about coach Mike Hesson.

He further went on to mention his displeasure about the team selection and playing XI of the team. “Again, the match-winner Hasan Nawaz, and then we have Salman Mirza not playing. Again, it became a little difficult. We are very disappointed, very hurt. It was a Super Sunday, and the whole nation was watching, but our middle order is already a problem."

Salman Ali Agha's captaincy was also criticised by Akhtar for handing over to Haris Rauf when the spinners were giving the hitters difficulties. “Captaincy is questionable. Bowling changes – when the batters are struggling facing spinners, there was no need to bring in Haris Rauf, he leaked 17 runs in an over which was not the need. There are many reasons we lost, but again, it’s okay. It’s fine,” he added. Earlier, he had questioned the skipper’s role and selection in the team as well.

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