XtraTime Web Desk: Former Pakistan pace maestro Shoaib Akhtar took a dig at Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed after their demoralizing loss against West Indies in their opening game of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Pakistan got all out on just 105 runs after the Windies captain sent them to bat first, which is their second lowest total in World Cup after 1992 World Cup where they bowled out on 74 against Australia. In reply Gayle scored a classy half century to help Windies to win the game by 7 wickets.
According to a senior Pakistani journalist Saj Sadiq, Shoaib singled out captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for criticism.
“When Sarfaraz Ahmed came for the toss, his stomach was sticking out and his face was so fat. He’s the first captain I’ve seen who is so unfit. He’s not able to move across and he’s struggling with wicket-keeping,” tweeted Sadiq.
Harsh – Shoaib Akhtar “When Sarfaraz Ahmed came for the toss, his stomach was sticking out and his face was so fat. He’s the first captain I’ve seen who is so unfit. He’s not able to move across and he’s struggling with wicket-keeping” #CWC19 #PAKvWI
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 31, 2019
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‘Speechless’ was Shoaib’s first reaction to Pakistan batsmen’s meek surrender in front of the West Indies fast bowlers, who dished out a heavy doze of short balls.
Speechless.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 31, 2019
Shoaib, however, recollected his thoughts and later on went on to say that it’s early days and everyone needs to back the Pakistan team.
“Ok the match is over. Recollecting my thoughts and emotions. We have to back these boys, they are representing our nation. They need our support throughout the World Cup,” he said in the second tweet.
Ok the match is over. Recollecting my thoughts and emotions.
We have to back these boys, they are representing our nation. They need our support throughout the World Cup. #PAKvWI #CWC19— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 31, 2019
“It’s a disappointing performance of Team Pakistan, let’s not disheart them more and back them up,” Akhtar wrote in the third and final tweet while also sharing a video expressing his opinion.
Pakistan have a history of finishing well on ICC tournaments after starting on a disastrous note. In 1992 World Cup, they lost to West Indies by 10 wickets but went to lift the trophy the first and only time.