“Everybody knew that this team is struggling, there is a fitness problem. This is still a young side, with 10-12 boys under the age of 30. Things can still be rectified," he added.
Akram's assessment extended to the team's performance against England, stating, "Once England won the toss, it was all over for Pakistan. Although, I knew Pakistan can’t qualify but you have to say that mathematically they still have a chance.”
Pakistan's former head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, echoed Akram's sentiments, acknowledging the collective failure of the team. “As a player, management, we need to realize that it was an overall failure. It has been a collective failure, not one person is to be blamed," Misbah remarked.
“We are behind in skills, fitness and were behind in preparation as well. Everything has made damage. Our top-class bowling suddenly vanished. Why didn’t we look at our spinners? We have spoken about that if you are going to India, you need all your departments to click. The new ball is our strength. We have failed to make an impact with the new ball," he added.
Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Moin Khan expressed concern over the team's performance compared to other nations. “I think the other teams have improved a lot, and unfortunately, we have lagged behind in that race," said Moin.
“Genuinely, not only cricketers but PCB will have to do a self-assessment. We don’t have a pool. Naseem Shah got injured, and there was no backup. We didn’t plan and didn’t play any bilaterals against top teams. Just before the World Cup, we played three months in Sri Lanka in hot and humid conditions, and they looked drained out. There was no spark," Moin concluded, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the Pakistan Cricket Board's strategies and preparations.
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