Wasim Akram Criticizes Pakistan's Fitness and Fielding after Loss to Afghanistan

In the wake of Pakistan’s eight-wicket defeat to Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup, cricket legend Wasim Akram expressed disappointment and pinpointed the team’s fitness and fielding as areas that need improvement. Akram emphasized the crucial role of fitness in fielding performance and suggested that players should undergo regular fitness tests. He also raised concerns about some players’ dietary habits, hinting at excessive consumption of mutton.

Akram highlighted the need for a specific fitness criterion for players, recalling the positive results during Misbah-ul-Haq’s coaching tenure when such standards were enforced. He stressed that fitness plays a pivotal role in fielding and urged for consistency in fitness assessments.

The former captain expressed his concerns, saying, “Fielding is all about fitness, and that’s where we are lacking.” He pointed out that the team’s fitness levels have not been assessed for two years and stressed the need for a structured approach to player fitness.

Misbah-ul-Haq, another former captain and coach, expressed his disappointment with Babar Azam’s captaincy and its impact on Haris Rauf’s bowling confidence, especially during the powerplay. Misbah noted that Rauf’s early overs often resulted in high runs conceded and loss of confidence. He suggested a change in strategy, advocating for giving Rauf the ball after the powerplay when there are four fielders in the deep, allowing him to regain confidence and use his bouncers effectively.

Shoaib Malik, another former captain, drew attention to the spin department’s struggles and called for more innovative thinking from the captain. He mentioned Saud Shakeel as a potential option for bowling and highlighted the need to explore different strategies to address the challenges faced by the team.

These remarks from cricketing legends shed light on the areas where Pakistan’s cricket team can make improvements to enhance their performance in international cricket tournaments.

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