In an attempt to explain why current Pakistan captain Babar Azam is not a brand like Virat Kohli, former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a weird statement lately. During an interview with a Pakistani news outlet, Akhtar criticized Babar and the rest of the Pakistani team for having poor character and a poor grasp of the English language. Cricket fans all around the world were outraged by Akhtar’s words, and the previous head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ramiz Raja, even called him “delusional.”
In response to Akhtar’s comments, Ramiz blasted him, saying that no other former cricketer from any nation would speak ill of their own players using the ‘Gavaskar-Dravid’ example.
What did Ramiz Raja say about Shoaib Akhtar?
Speaking on BOL Network a Pakistan local channel Raja said, “Shoaib Akhtar is a delusional superstar. He also had an issue recently with Kamran Akmal. He wants everyone to become a brand, but it is more important to become a human first. First, become a human and then a brand.”
“Our former players degrade our cricket brand by giving delusional statements. You will never see that happening in our neighbouring country. You will never see Sunil Gavaskar criticizing Rahul Dravid. It only happens in Pakistan, where former players don’t let others do their job professionally,” he added.
As Raja was pressed for further information on Akhtar’s ambition to become PCB chairman, he insulted the Pakistani great severely.
“He needs to get a graduate degree first in order to become eligible for the chairmanship of PCB.” he said.
Ex-Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has said that Shoaib Akhtar often injected himself with painkillers during his playing days. These remarks were made in reaction to the fast bowler’s claim that Shaheen Afridi should have played through discomfort to help Pakistan win the T20 World Cup final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium last year.
After hurting his knee while trying to grab Harry Brook’s catch, Shaheen was unable to make any more contributions with the ball. It’s true that Shaheen could only manage 13 overs in the championship game.
