‘Tough to watch Pakan’: Wasim Akram blasts team after second defeat to India in Asia Cup 2025 | Cricket News
Pace legend Wasim Akram admitted it was difficult to watch the Pakan team perform against India after being continuously outplayed for the last “four or five years”, following their latest defeat to the Men in Blue in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours on Sunday.
In a match that witnessed a slate of sparks flying on the turf between players of both teams, India eventually ended up dominating the match after a tepid start. Salman Agha’s men had hinted at signs of change and improvement with a flying start with the bat, recording their highest-ever T20I Powerplay score against India.
However, it was more of a freefall from then on, as Pakan closed their innings at 171 for five despite crossing 90 at the half-way stage. Led openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s enthralling opening wicket stand of 105 in only 9.5 overs, India regered their fourth successive T20I win over Pakan since the 2022 World Cup.
Story continues below this ad
Speaking my heart out
Akram said he was pained to see the huge gulf in talent between India and Pakan.
“I am going to speak my heart out. It is tough to watch Pakan. I understand as an ex-player winning and losing that part of the game. But again India has outplayed Pakan in every department over the last four or five years. Once or twice, we have won here and there, but it has been incredible from India. The talent, the depth, everything. One or two catches can be dropped in any game, that is fine. But from 91 in the first 10 overs, when we fail to reach 200, there is nothing to say,” Akram told the broadcasters after the match.
Speechless!
Akram was particularly miffed and left stunned Pakan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz’s comical dismissal.Story continues below this ad
During the innings where a host of dropped catches from India offered some breathing space, Nawaz’s run-out in the 19th over was the tipping point. Strolling casually from the crease, Nawaz was dismissed a sharp piece of fielding from Suryakumar Yadav.
The play unfolded after Pakan captain Salman Ali Agha hit the ball to Varun Chakaravarthy at square leg. Despite instructions from bowler Jasprit Bumrah to hold the ball, Chakaravarthy attempted a direct hit at the non-striker’s end and missed. The ball then went to skipper Suryakumar. Just as it seemed the ball was dead, Suryakumar noticed Nawaz walking slowly back to the crease. He quickly threw the ball, hitting the stumps and catching Nawaz off guard.
The moment was a huge blunder for Pakan, and the frustration was clear on coach Mike Hesson’s face as Nawaz returned to the dressing room.
“Unbelievable. I’m literally speechless,” a hapless Akram said on broadcast commentary.
