Former Pakistani fast-bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar issued a blunt warning to Pakistan's senior cricketers on Saturday ahead of the tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England, asserting that poor performances could result in permanent exile from the national team.
Speaking on the cricket talk show 'Outside Edge', Akhtar revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is internally contemplating drastic decisions regarding star batsman Babar Azam and four other senior players. Shoaib identified Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan as five key figures currently operating under an "invisible pressure" that this series could be their final international outing if they fail to deliver.
While acknowledging that Babar was Pakistan's highest run-scorer during their last ODI series against Australia, Akhtar claimed insider knowledge suggesting PCB management is weighing alternative options. However, Akhtar criticized the board for creating an unfair "do-or-die" environment, advising the PCB to extract the best out of Babar's talent rather than imposing destructive pressure. He also offered tactical advice to pacer Shaheen Afridi, urging him to pace his spell intensity rather than bowl flat-out from the opening over. The tri-series kicks off today, Sunday (October 18, 2026), with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in Lahore, leading up to the final on October 31.
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Reported by Sports Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
