Karachi: Shoaib Akhtar labelled captain Misbah-ul Haq a “coward” and “selfish” after Pakistan were crushed by West Indies in Saturday’s Pool B game, in Christchurch.

“I have not seen a more cowardly person and selfish captain than Misbah,” Shoaib said. “He is not willing to bat up the order to protect the other players at a time when he needs to show inspiration.

“He is happy with his own runs and I don’t know what coach Waqar Younis wants. He has no game plan or direction for the team,” added Shoaib.

Misbah batted at No. 5 against West Indies, but made only seven as Pakistan were bowled out for 160 to slump to their second straight defeat in the competition.

Former Test captain Ramiz Raja also believes it is time for senior batsman Younis Khan to step down after failing in the first two World Cup matches. “I beg of Younis. Thank you for your services to Pakistan cricket, but please leave this ODI side now...

“I think Younis should tell the management that he should be rested. Our fielding has also been a joke, but we need just one good match to get back on the track.”

Mohammed Yousuf also called for wholesale changes to be made after the World Cup. “The problems ailing our cricket will not go away unless we produce better batsmen and the management is reshuffled,” Yousuf said.
(Agencies)