Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has criticized the team’s tactical decisions following the heavy defeat to India, raising concerns over bowling management and overall match awareness. He questioned why pacer Shaheen Afridi was not utilized during the crucial middle overs and why all-rounder Faheem Ashraf remained unused throughout the contest. According to Akmal, the lack of strategic clarity — from the toss decision to bowling changes and batting approach — reflected poor planning rather than a structured game plan tailored for high-pressure Pakistan vs India clashes.
Evaluating captain Salman Ali Agha, Akmal termed his leadership performance as average, stating that he did not observe strong on-field command or proactive decision-making during key phases of the match. His remarks add to the growing debate over Pakistan cricket team leadership, tactical awareness, and resource utilization in major ICC tournaments.
Meanwhile, former captain Shahid Afridi strongly criticized the senior core of the squad after the comprehensive loss to India in Colombo. Playing at R. Premadasa Stadium, India posted a competitive total of 175-7, powered by a fluent 77-run innings from Ishan Kishan. Although Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack briefly slowed the scoring rate after the openers were dismissed, India maintained control of the match.
In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, highlighting batting fragility and execution gaps under pressure. The result further extended Pakistan’s poor record against India in ICC World Cups, reinforcing concerns about performance consistency in high-stakes international cricket encounters.
