Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Shoaib Akhtar Warns Pakistan Cricket Needs Two-Year Revival
Pakistan’s cricket team lost its first two Test matches against England.
The losses were very large, so the team lost the series before the final match.
After this, the Pakistan Cricket Board made big changes.
Seven players were sent home, and two coaches were replaced.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said the team did not have enough fighting spirit.
He said the board is now focusing on younger players.
Akhtar believes rebuilding Pakistan cricket could take about two years.
He also wants important fast bowlers to have their careers protected.
Pakistan lost its first two Tests against England by an innings and 103 runs and 194 runs.
The defeats sealed a 0-2 series loss, with a third Test at Edgbaston still to come.
The Pakistan Cricket Board dropped seven players and dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul.
Shoaib Akhtar said Pakistan cricket was on a “ventilator” and could take two years to revive.
Akhtar urged the board to protect the careers of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
- Who
- The Pakistan cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board, and former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
- What
- Pakistan underwent major squad and coaching changes after losing the first two Tests of its series against England.
- When
- The changes followed the second Test loss at the end of August; the article dates that match August 27, 2026.
- Where
- The defeats occurred at Headingley and Lord’s in England; Akhtar discussed the situation while in Lahore.
- Why
- The Pakistan Cricket Board was disappointed by the team’s performances and said it was preparing younger players for the future.
- Series score
- England led Pakistan 2-0 after the first two Tests.
- First Test result
- Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley.
- Second Test result
- Pakistan lost by 194 runs at Lord’s.
- Players dropped
- The Pakistan Cricket Board sent home seven players.
- Coaching changes
- Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were dismissed and replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.
- Projected rebuild
- Shoaib Akhtar said reviving Pakistan cricket could take two years.
- New selections
- Seven replacements were called up, including five uncapped players.