'Pakistan must stop playing Tests': Shoaib Akhtar loses cool on live TV

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at the national cricket team for their dismal performance against England in the first Test match played in Multan.

Pakistan suffered a crushing innings and 47-run loss at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

The legendary bowler expressed his frustration during a live television discussion on PTV Sports.

“You will reap what you sow," Akhtar expressed his disappointment at the team's poor form over the years.

He said that losing is acceptable, but the team's lack of competitiveness in the last two days was disheartening.

The former speedster attributed the team's struggles to weak leadership and grouping within the squad. 

"The captain calls the shots when it comes to selection. If the management and captain are weak, there will be groupism," he said.

Shoaib Akhtar warned that Pakistan's poor performance could lead to questions about their Test status. He mentioned fans' demands for Pakistan to stop playing Test cricket, urding Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address these issues.

"The ICC must be thinking, 'Should we send teams to Pakistan and keep their Test status alive?' This is going to hurt Pakistan cricket, fans, and upcoming talents," Akhtar urged.

"It's time for the PCB to sort out this mess," he concluded.

Notably, Shan Masood has become the first captain in the Test cricket's history to start his captaincy tenure with six consecutive Test defeats.

Several reports suggest that the PCB is planning to replace Shan Masood as captain.

According to a source close to the PCB, three players have been shortlisted as potential successors which include middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.

The board is expected to make a decision after the end of the England series, they said.