Asia Cup 2025: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar could not hide his frustration after Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. The Rawalpindi Express came down heavily on head coach Mike Hesson and the team management, branding their strategies as “senseless coaching” following Pakistan’s collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out against India’s spinners.
India’s spin trio—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel—completely dismantled Pakistan’s batting order. Kuldeep starred with four wickets, while Varun and Axar chipped in with two apiece, leaving Pakistan’s middle order exposed once again.
Akhtar, visibly emotional on Tapmad, lashed out at Pakistan’s selection and tactical blunders. “It is the blame of the management who is not thinking right. Talking about senseless coaching, I would probably say. Sorry to use harsh words, but this is senseless coaching,” he said.
Akhtar fumes over team selection
One of Akhtar’s main points of criticism was the exclusion of Hasan Nawaz from the XI. “Again, the match-winner Hasan Nawaz, and then Salman Mirza not playing. Our middle order is already a problem, you know it, I know it. Expecting too much from Mohammad Nawaz and the lower order to add 50 more runs is not realistic. Too many errors, too many mistakes,” Akhtar added.
He also questioned the over-dependence on all-rounders and tailenders for runs, suggesting that the batting order lacked balance and proper planning.
Captaincy under fire
Akhtar did not spare captain Salman Ali Agha either, pointing to his questionable bowling changes. “When the batters were struggling against spinners, there was no need to bring in Haris Rauf. He leaked 17 runs in an over, which shifted momentum. These are basic tactical errors,” he said.
India’s chase led by Tilak Varma
Despite India’s shaky start at 20/3, Tilak Varma held his nerve with a match-winning 69 off 53 balls*, guiding India’s chase with composure. Supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, he steered India closer before sealing the game in the final over. Fittingly, Rinku Singh struck the winning boundary off the only ball he faced in the entire tournament.
The result handed India yet another Asia Cup title, while Pakistan was left to rue their poor batting strategy and questionable team decisions.
“This was Super Sunday, the whole nation was watching. We are disappointed, we are hurt. But again, it’s fine—we must learn,” Akhtar concluded.
The defeat not only reignited debates about Pakistan’s fragile middle order but also highlighted serious concerns about team management ahead of future ICC tournaments.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma mocks Shaheen Afridi after winning Player of the Tournament
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