World Cup: 'They eat 8kg mutton..'- Akram rips into Pakistan cricket team

Pakistan's loss against Afghanistan attracted sharp criticism from former players including Wasin Akrma who lashed out at the poor fielding and attitude of the side in the World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s performance against Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023, where they were beaten one-sided by 8 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, has received some harsh criticism from the former greats back home. Legendary Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram said that these players seem to be eating 8kg of mutton every day, indicating that the team’s pathetic fielding was evidence of their lack of fitness. 

“It was embarrassing today. To reach 280-odd losing just two wickets is pretty big. Wet pitch or not, look at the fielding, and the fitness levels. We’ve been screaming for the last 3 weeks that these players haven’t undergone a fitness test in the last two years,” Wasim said in a show on A Sports, a Pakistani sports channel. 

“If I start taking individual names, their faces will drop. Looks like these guys are eating 8 kilos of mutton every day. Should there not be tests?” he fumed. 

Akram, 57, further pointed out how Mishabh-Ul-Haq as a coach was such a tough master that the players hated him, but it was beneficial for the side.  “Professionally you guys are getting paid, playing for your country. There has to be a certain criteria. Misbah, when he was coach, had that criteria. Players hated him but it worked. Fielding is all about fitness and that’s where we are lacking. Now we have reached that same position, where we will pray for ifs and buts to happen,” he said.

“Whenever you do fielding, it is only with attitude. And I don't see any attitude from the team. You need to put in extra effort and be fit,” Akram added.

Pakistan's World Cup semis spot in danger
 

After the loss against Afghanistan, Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup semi-final have decreased drastically as they now have to win all their remaining games. But even that might not be enough for them as they would have to worry about the results of the other teams too. They have to play tough games against New Zealand, South Africa, and England going ahead.