Pakistan Out of Asia Cup: Afridi, Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja React

Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi criticised the team after Pakistan got knocked out of the Asia Cup.

Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi criticised the team and the PCB set-up after the team got knocked out of the Asia Cup.

(Photo: Twitter)

Pakistan have been knocked out of the Asia Cup after a 37-run loss to Bangladesh in the Super Four match on Wednesday.

Defending 239, Bangladesh bowled tight a line with left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman leading the pack with 4-43. Mehidy Hasan also contributed with two wickets. For Pakistan, apart from Imam-ul-Haq (83), no other batsmen stood up to the occasion and went back cheaply. Shoiab Malik (30) and Asif Ali (31) tried to contribute but could not stay for long at the crease.

Tail-ender batsman Shaheen Afridi (14) then tried to take Pakistan out of troubled waters but failed, and Pakistan only managed to score 202/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Former players were all critical of the team that only last year had beaten India to win the Champions Trophy in England.

'Nightmare for Pakistan,’ Says Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja: Pakistan was billed as a favourite before the Asia Cup, but that dream has ended quite badly. Neither the captaincy was good nor the batting, or bowling, or fielding. This Asia Cup was a nightmare for Pakistan. Maybe this can be a wake-up call for Pakistan because now they can see how far behind they are against top-quality teams. They are far behind among the Asian teams only now.

My biggest problem with this team is that even when I look at it after a long time, their skill level is forever fluctuating. Earlier they were called unpredictable, but now you have to question their skill level.

Junaid Khan was an inspired selection but the think tank was unfair to him. They underestimate him and if he had not taken four wickets then Bangladesh, he would have managed to score a lot more.

Pakistan stumbled and collapsed. I hope they learn something from their mistakes in this Asia Cup.

‘Urge PM Imran Khan for Transparency in the PCB,’ Says Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram: We have to ask why the team can’t bat for 50 overs. Shoaib Malik can’t win all the matches for Pakistan by himself. After he got out, it just didn't look like the team would manage to win.

We can’t blame this team alone. We used to a one-off series and be happy. Now we are realising that the entire system is flawed. Our first-class cricket is a total mess. You are keeping foreign coaches but not paying them in time. What mentality is this to stop someone’s salary? There are 900 people working in the PCB. What are they doing? I would request the PM to give us some transparency in the board. Everyone is scared of someone else and it passes onto the players as well.

Afridi Disappointed

"Congratulations Bangladesh, disappointed by Pakistani team’s overall performance. Lacked attacking play of cricket in all fields. Its a young side who performed well in the last tournaments & set our expectations high. More focus and practice is needed for a stronger comeback," tweeted former skipper Shahid Afridi.