Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup has sparked strong criticism from former captain Shahid Afridi, who openly questioned the team’s approach with both bat and ball. The one-sided contest left fans disappointed, while cricketing legends weighed in on what went wrong for the side.

Afridi questions reckless batting approach

Afridi did not hold back when assessing Pakistan’s batting collapse. He singled out Saim Ayub for adopting what he described as a careless style of play, urging him to avoid imitating his own aggressive reputation without proper execution. According to Afridi, young players need to balance flair with responsibility, especially in high-pressure matches against arch-rivals like India.

Concerns over resting fast bowlers

Another major point of contention raised by Afridi was the decision to rest key fast bowlers during such a crucial fixture. He argued that withholding frontline pacers weakened Pakistan’s attack and gave India an advantage they capitalized on fully. For Afridi, squad rotation is important, but he stressed that marquee games demand the strongest possible lineup on the field.

Wasim Akram highlights struggles against spin

Adding to the critique, former great Wasim Akram observed how Pakistan’s batsmen were unable to cope with Kuldeep Yadav’s spin bowling. The left-arm wrist spinner dismantled the batting order with variations that left players unsettled at the crease. Akram emphasized that this inability to handle quality spin has become a recurring issue for Pakistan and requires urgent attention in training and preparation.

Sunil Gavaskar calls Pakistan a weak side

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in on the aftermath of the match, bluntly describing Pakistan as a weak team compared to their rivals. His remarks reflected not only on this particular defeat but also on broader concerns about consistency and competitiveness at the international level. Such comments from respected figures add further pressure on Pakistan to reassess its strategies moving forward.

Calls for accountability and improvement

The chorus of criticism underscores a growing demand for accountability within Pakistan cricket. From selection decisions to player temperament, experts believe that multiple aspects need urgent reform if the team is to compete effectively against top-tier opponents. Afridi’s passionate remarks highlight both his frustration as a former captain and his desire to see younger players develop smarter game awareness rather than relying solely on aggression or instinctive play. In conclusion, Pakistan’s heavy defeat against India in the Asia Cup has triggered sharp reactions from some of cricket’s most respected voices. Shahid Afridi condemned reckless batting and questioned resting star bowlers, Wasim Akram pointed out technical shortcomings against spin, while Sunil Gavaskar labeled the side weak overall. Together, these critiques paint a clear picture: unless Pakistan addresses its tactical flaws and strengthens its mental resilience, such results may continue to haunt them in high-stakes encounters.