Akhtar lashes out at Pakistan's ‘cowardly’ performance against West Indies

Pakistani former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at Pakistan cricket team ‘cowardly’ display in their ICC World Cup opening match against the West Indies at Trent Bridge.

“Let’s put it this way that Pakistan has played cowardly today [Friday], they neither seem interested or united and I felt that Pakistan was not even present at the moment in Nottingham,” said Akhtar.

The defeat against West Indies was Pakistan's 11th consecutive ODI defeat (completed matches). It is Pakistan's longest losing streak in ODI history, with their previous longest losing streak of 10 matches coming between 30 October 1987 and 30 March 1988.

The former speedster however praised fast bowler Mohammad Amir, lauding him for his effort during the match as Amir picked up three wickets against the Windies. “One positive thing that emerged from the match that [Mohammad} Amir took wickets, and bowled with a lot of effort,” he said. “Whereas, Hasan Ali got a bit exposed but it was expected.”

Akhtar also expressed his disappointment over skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s fitness and overall selection of the team especially questioning non selection of Shoaib Malik for the match.

“He is the first captain that I have seen is unfit, secondly he is not able to move across while keeping. I am also not able to understand the team selection… I think Pakistan needs to focus and at least look interested in the tournament,” he added.

After losing to West Indies, Sarfaraz Ahmed led side would now meet hosts England in their second World Cup encounter on Monday.