Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar launched a blistering attack on coach Mike Hesson after the team’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash in Dubai. Akhtar questioned the coach’s decision-making, particularly on why he included Hussain Talat in the playing XI. Talat batted at No.4, managing just 10 runs off 11 balls without a boundary, and his slow innings stalled Pakistan’s momentum as they finished on 171/5, while they looked well on course to hitting 200 or more. “The coach should be asked the questions – where are his brains? It is just senseless coaching and senseless selection of the team. It is beyond me, it feels like I am the one who is a fraud, who doesn’t understand a thing after playing 15 years of cricket,” Akhtar said on the ‘Game On Hai’ programme.He was furious about Talat’s role in such a key match. “In the last five-six games, we have been saying just play the right team. In an important fixture, you thought about playing Hussain Talat? How did you even think about it? What is his utility? Tell me,” he asked. During the same panel discussion, Shoaib Malik asked Akhtar what he would change if he were made PCB chairman. The 50-year-old responded by first dismissing the idea. “First of all, PCB will never ask me to do this job. The reason is that I’m going to do the right thing, whatever is necessary. I’m not saying give me the power. I believe in teamwork. I believe in logic. I believe in working together,” he said. Akhtar stressed he would adopt a different approach if ever given the role. “It’s not about ‘give me the power and I’ll fix it.’ No, no, no, it’s not like that. I would rather have a 20-member selection committee. I will take their advice: ‘What do you guys say? Tell me,’” he explained.
Poll
Should Hussain Talat have been included in the playing XI against India?
The former pacer also said young players must be backed consistently. “To fix Pakistan cricket, if I am given three years and handed the command, the children must be given confidence. I will tell them ‘Saim Ayub, son, go play… No problem, you won’t get dropped if you get out,’” Akhtar said.
