Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final has triggered a wave of criticism from fans and former cricketers, with legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar leading the charge. In a fiery post-match analysis on his YouTube channel, Akhtar expressed deep disappointment over Pakistan’s performance, calling out head coach Mike Hesson’s “senseless coaching decisions” and questioning interim captain Salman Agha’s leadership under pressure.
Akhtar, visibly emotional, said, “I’m hurt. This wasn’t just a loss—it was a collapse of planning, intent, and cricketing logic. There was absolutely no need to bring in Haris Rauf in the final. He wasn’t match-fit, and it showed.”
Pakistan, who were bowled out for just 112 runs in the final at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, failed to mount any resistance against India’s pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. The batting order crumbled early, and the bowling lacked bite, allowing India to chase the target in just 13.4 overs.
Asia Cup 2025 Final – Match Summary
| Match Details | Pakistan Innings | India Innings | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 112 all out in 18.3 overs | 113/2 in 13.4 overs | India won by 8 wickets |
| Top Scorer (Pakistan) | Babar Azam – 29 (25) | Shubman Gill – 54 (38) | ||
| Best Bowler (India) | Jasprit Bumrah – 4/19 | Shaheen Afridi – 1/28 | ||
| Player of the Match | Jasprit Bumrah | For match-winning spell |
Akhtar’s criticism was directed at multiple fronts. He questioned the decision to sideline Naseem Shah, who had been consistent throughout the tournament, and instead include Haris Rauf, who had just recovered from a side strain. “You don’t gamble in a final. You play your best eleven. This was not the time to experiment,” he said.
He also took aim at Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand coach who was appointed as Pakistan’s head coach earlier this year. “Hesson’s decisions have been bizarre. There’s no rhythm, no strategy. Pakistan looked like a team without direction,” Akhtar said.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Critique – Key Points
| Target of Criticism | Specific Concern | Akhtar’s Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Hesson (Coach) | Team selection, lack of planning | “Senseless coaching, no strategy” |
| Salman Agha (Captain) | On-field decisions, lack of aggression | “Passive leadership, no spark” |
| Haris Rauf (Bowler) | Fitness, match readiness | “No need to bring in Rauf in final” |
| Team Management | Rotation policy, handling of pressure | “Too many changes, no consistency” |
Salman Agha, who was handed captaincy after Babar Azam stepped down post group stages, failed to inspire confidence in the final. His field placements and bowling changes were widely criticized, and Akhtar didn’t hold back. “Agha is a good player, but captaincy is not just about batting. It’s about leading from the front. He looked lost,” Akhtar said.
Social media platforms echoed Akhtar’s sentiments, with hashtags like #ShoaibAkhtarRage, #PakistanCollapse, and #AsiaCupFinal trending across cricket communities. Fans expressed frustration over Pakistan’s lack of fight and demanded accountability from the coaching staff and PCB.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Pakistan’s Final Loss
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 3.1M mentions | 78% critical | #ShoaibAkhtarRage #PakistanCollapse |
| 2.7M interactions | 75% disappointed | #AsiaCupFinal #TeamPakistan | |
| 2.4M views | 80% emotional | #CricketHeartbreak #PakistanFans | |
| YouTube | 2.2M views | 82% analytical | #MatchExplained #AkhtarOnPakistan |
Akhtar also urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to rethink its leadership structure and invest in long-term planning. “We need a captain who commands respect, a coach who understands Pakistan cricket, and selectors who pick on merit—not reputation,” he said.
The former pacer’s comments have reignited debate over foreign coaches in Pakistan cricket. While Hesson’s appointment was seen as a move towards professionalism, critics argue that he lacks understanding of the team’s cultural dynamics and emotional temperament.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Campaign – Performance Overview
| Match | Result | Top Performer | Margin of Victory/Defeat |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Bangladesh | Pakistan won | Rizwan – 62 (44) | 5 wickets |
| vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won | Salman Agha – 52 (40) | 4 wickets |
| vs India (Final) | Pakistan lost | Babar Azam – 29 (25) | Lost by 8 wickets |
Akhtar concluded his analysis with a message to the players: “You’re playing for Pakistan. Wear that jersey with pride. Fight till the last ball. Don’t let the fans down.”
As Pakistan regroups ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2026, the pressure is mounting on the team management to address selection inconsistencies, leadership gaps, and tactical flaws. Shoaib Akhtar’s explosive critique may be harsh, but it reflects the sentiments of millions who expect better from a team with such rich history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match data, verified sports commentary, and expert analysis. It does not constitute team selection advice or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
