'What's his utility?'- Shoaib Akhtar blasts at Mike Hesson's coaching decisions for Pakistan's defeat to India in Super 4 stage

subhradeep-choudhury — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:14:11 GMT

Shoaib Akhtar blasts at Mike Hesson's coaching decisions.

The former pacer of the Pakistan side, Shoaib Akhtar, has made a jaw-dropping remark on their current head coach, Mike Hesson, for his wrong decisions during their defeat to India in the Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India, as expected, continued their unbeaten campaign in the event.

Akhtar raised his voice against the decision-making of the coach on why he included Hassain Talat in the game. The Pakistan batter made 10 runs in 11 balls at number four without a boundary, as his knock took out the momentum of the Salman Ali Agha-led side as they finished on 171/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

“The coach should be asked the questions – where are his brains? It is just senseless coaching and senseless selection of the team. It is beyond me, it feels like I am the one who is a fraud, who doesn’t understand a thing after playing 15 years of cricket.” Akhtar expressed during the recent interaction on the ‘Game On Hai’ Programme.

Shoaib Akhtar slams Mike Hesson’s coaching for Pakistan’s defeat to India

Akhtar was furious about Talat’s role in such a key encounter. During the same panel discussion, the former captain and all-rounder of the Pakistan side, Shoaib Malik, also asked Akhtar what changes he would make if he became the PCB chairman.

“In the last five-six games, we have been saying just play the right team. In an important fixture, you thought about playing Hussain Talat? How did you even think about it? What is his utility? Tell me.” Shoaib Akhtar expressed during the same discussion.

“First of all, PCB will never ask me to do this job. The reason is that I’m going to do the right thing, whatever is necessary. I’m not saying give me the power. I believe in teamwork. I believe in logic. I believe in working together.” The Rawalpindi Express addressed. Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka on September 23 for their next do-or-die Super 4 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.