Shoaib Akhtar Calls Himself a Fraud, Slams Pakistan Coach on Live TV

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar tore into head coach Mike Hesson after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai.

The Rawalpindi Express, visibly frustrated on live TV, slammed Hesson’s team selection and even called himself a “fraud” out of sheer disbelief.

Pakistan, put into bat, managed only 171/5 as Hussain Talat—surprisingly promoted to No.4—slowed down the innings with 10 runs off 11 balls.

India, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s 74 off 39, chased the target with seven balls to spare.

“The coach should be asked the questions – where are his brains? This is senseless coaching and senseless selection. It feels like I am the one who is a fraud, who doesn’t understand anything after playing 15 years of cricket,” Akhtar raged on Samaa TV’s Game On Hai.

“In the last five-six games, we have been saying just play the right team. In an important match, you thought of playing Hussain Talat? What is his utility? Tell me,” he added.

“I will never be PCB chief”

During the discussion, Shoaib Malik asked Akhtar what he would do if appointed PCB chairman. Akhtar laughed it off, saying: “PCB will never ask me to do this job. I believe in teamwork and logic, not power. I’d rather have a 20-member selection committee and take everyone’s advice.”

He stressed that Pakistan’s young players, like Saim Ayub, must be backed with confidence just as India have supported Abhishek Sharma.

“I’ll tell them: ‘Beta, go play freely, no problem if you get out, you won’t be dropped.’ Unless we give our players that license, they will always play scared,” Akhtar said.

The former pacer ended by pointing out Pakistan’s recurring failure to back youngsters in pressure games, a flaw he believes is widening the gap between India and Pakistan cricket.