A former India cricketer has made some stunning remarks about former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar. 'Banda Dimag Se Pagal Hay', this is said by Munaf Patel. But why did he say that? 

During a recent conversation, Munaf Patel expressed his observation about Shoaib Akhtar. Actually Patel piled a lot of praise for the former Pakistan international. He believes that Akhtar was the only one who could bowl over 150 kmph deliveries for more than a decade. Patel also claimed that in the upcoming years, there will be no pacers from Asian countries like Akhtar. 

Patel is still mesmerized by the dedication of Shoaib for his bowling. He said during the conversation that from 1997 to 2011-12, for 14-15 years, Akhter bowled with 150 KMPH pace, that too in Asian conditions. His knees were not enough good for even walking, but still managed to carry the long run up and deliveres with luxury pace. Patel guaranteed that they we'll not able to witness another bowler like Shoaib Akhtar from an Asian country during their lifetime. 

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Munaf Patel praised Shoaib Akhtar 

"From '97 to 2011-12, he (Shoaib Akhtar) bowled relentlessly with 150 KMPH speed. His knees were not fit for walking, but somehow he carried his long runup, which started beyond the 30 yard circle. If you advice him for betterment of maintaining strength, he would push himself for any limit. We will never see any other bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, because he was absolutely crazy", Munaf Patel said. 

Munaf Patel: In Asian conditions, 135 feels heavy ,Shoaib Akhtar bowled 150+ consistently for 14 years. That’s madness 🥵.#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/8jBk2DpQ7W

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) October 5, 2025

Shoaib Akhtar, known as the 'Rawalpindi Express', played for Pakistan from 1997 to 2011. During this time, he played 46 Test matches, taking 178 wickets at an average of 25.69, including 12 five-wicket hauls. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he featured in 163 matches and claimed 247 wickets at an average of 24.97. 

It is confirmed that India and Pakistan will face each other for the third time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as they will meet in the Final of the tournament on Sunday (September 28). Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a funny stumble while revealing Pakistan's best strategy to beat the in-form Indian team in the tournament Final. 

In the 41-year-old Asia Cup, it will be the first time that India and Pakistan will take on each other in the Final of the tournament. They have already met twice in this tournament, where India thrashed Pakistan on both occasions. In their group stage (Group A) fixture, after Pakistan scored 127/9 in 20 overs, India chased down the target in 15.5 overs after losing only three wickets, as India won by seven wickets with 25 balls remaining. 

In the Super Fours, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets with seven balls remaining, where after Pakistan scored 171/5, India chased down the target in 18.5 overs after losing four wickets.

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is in dream form with the bat, as he slammed three consecutive half-centuries in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2025, as the left-handed opening batter is the leading run-scorer in the tournament. Against Pakistan in this tournament, while he slammed 31 off 13 balls in the group stage clash, he then smashed the Player of the Match award-winning level innings of 74 in just 39 balls in the Super Fours clash.

[WATCH] Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill out for 4 as Theekshana takes spectacular catch in IND vs SL Super 4 clash

Shoaib Akhtar named Abhishek Bachchan instead of Abhishek Sharma

Without any doubt, Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believed that anything could happen, even in favour of Pakistan, if they dismiss Abhishek Sharma early, as the Indian middle-order batting hasn't been tested yet. But going to talk about the Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, Akhtar mistakenly took the name of Abhishek Bachchan, the Bollywood actor. He was quickly corrected by others in that show. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Abhishek Bachchan also reacted

Even the Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan reacted to this funny side of the story. 

Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/kTy2FgB10j

— Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@juniorbachchan) September 26, 2025

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.

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“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.

The former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar, has displayed his disappointment and anger towards their captain, Salman Ali Agha, after their six-wicket defeat against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. He had a wild go at the young campaigner.

Akhtar felt that Agha hadn’t had any knowledge of the captaincy as he faced two successive defeats against India within a week. He questioned Pakistan captain's skills in using his main bowlers when India started to attack them at the top with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s powerplay batting.

See Also: [WATCH] Shubman Gill's break in concentration brings his downfall in IND vs PAK Super 4 clash of Asia Cup 2025

“I really don’t understand what the management is thinking. Wrong decisions are being made repeatedly. The middle order isn’t planned properly, and the power play isn’t being utilized effectively. Bowlers are also not being used wisely. There was no coordination, the lines and lengths were poor—starting with a bad bouncer, and then things just kept getting worse.” Shoaib Akhtar expressed during the recent interaction on Tapmad.

Shoaib Akhtar rips apart Salman Agha’s leadership after IND vs PAK Super 4 clash

With the bat, Agha struggled for 17 runs in 13 balls while in the tournament, he has just managed 40 runs in four innings in the ongoing tournament in a strike rate of 75.57 with a strike rate of 111.83. Akhtar wasn’t happy either with Pakistan’s team selection.

“Salman ko khud nahi pata wo kya kaptaani kar raha hai (Salman himself doesn’t know what he’s been doing). He is the weakest link. Does he even deserve the spot he is playing at? What does he do? He could be a good boy, but what does he produce? Does he perform like Tilka Varma or Hardik Pandya?” The 50-year-old added.

“Players who can actually win matches for Pakistan—like Hasan Nawaz or Wasim Junior—are left out. Instead, players who neither justify their position nor contribute meaningfully are given opportunities.” Shoaib Akhtar explained that Pakistan will now look to bounce back for their next clash against Sri Lanka on September 23.

While many in India say there is no longer any comparison between India and Pakistan in cricket, legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar went further, saying Pakistan’s performance is not even up to club-level standards.

Speaking on Tapmad’s post-match analysis show, the Rawalpindi Express did not hold back after Pakistan’s poor showing in the Asia Cup. “Whether batting first or second, Pakistan couldn’t score more than 130 runs, and that’s exactly what happened,” Shoaib said clearly.

Interestingly, Akhtar did not call the performance “disappointing.” He pointed out one positive – young spinner Saim Ayub’s rise. “At least we found a new spinner in Saim Ayub. He took three wickets for 35 runs, and that’s a very good sign,” he added.

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Shoaib Akhtar Criticises Pakistan’s Batting

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who was also on the panel, asked if Shoaib was joking. Akhtar replied, “The difference is clear now. Other teams are playing at a very high level, but we can’t even manage club-level cricket.”

Shoaib Akhtar slams Pakistan for their mediocrity after another thrashing at the hands of India.#AsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/wUliXhTuOy

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) September 15, 2025

He continued his sharp criticism of Pakistan’s batting, saying, “This performance shows the real state of our cricket. There’s no strategy, they can’t rotate the strike, and we don’t have quality batters. Just look at someone like Suryakumar Yadav – he sweeps, cuts, and still keeps rotating the strike. That’s the standard we are missing.”

As soon as Captain Surya Kumar Yadav hit the winning runs, the entire team of India left the field without making any friendly interaction with the arch rival. In a viral video we can see after the match the Pakistan cricket team was waiting on the ground for team India for the ceremonial handshake. But it never happened, as Indian players left the arena and snubbed the friendly handshake ceremony. 

Former Pakistan international Shoaib Akhtar is disappointed with India's behavior. Congratulating India for the dominating win, he advised that they don't make a cricket match political. He advised Team India to move on from whatever happened in the past. 

"I'm speechless. It is disheartening to see, and I don't know what to say. Hats off to India. "Just don't make things political," Akhtar said this in the studio. 

Read More: [WATCH] IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2025: Shivam Dube' huge 6 against Pakistan star Saim Ayub

Shoaib Akhtar advised India to 'Move On'

"Cricket match hai, isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye. Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain. (Don't make a cricket match political. We have said nice things about you. We can say a lot of things about the no handshake. Fights happen, even inside your house. Forget it; move on. It is the game of cricket; shake your hands, show your grace," he added. 

Shoaib Akhtar crying as Indian players refused handshake with Pak players

Match bhi haare, izzat bhi haare 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/7VgtfOy2wj

— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) September 15, 2025

India, with pure dominance, outclassed Pakistan on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium. Pakistan, batting first, in 20 overs managed to set a paltry target of 128. Men in Blue chased it down in just 15.5 overs. Before the match, there were calls to boycott the match. But Surya Kumar Yadav and his boys went to play the game and ended up as the winner of the evening. After the match, snubbing the customary handshake with Team Pakistan created worldwide attention from cricket fans. 

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated contests in world cricket as India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in the Asia Cup 2025. Their Group A meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the first time the two sides face off since cross-border tensions earlier this year.

The fixture carries more than just sporting significance, with emotions running high among fans on both sides. Many supporters have raised concerns, criticizing the BCCI for agreeing to the contest. They argue that the current political situation should have prompted a boycott rather than participation in such a high-profile clash.

Adding to the drama, reports suggest ticket sales have not met expectations despite the rivalry’s usual buzz. Speculation over empty seats has fueled debate, but excitement remains high as millions await the marquee showdown between cricket’s fiercest rivals.

See Also: Misbah-ul-Haq: Early wickets will be absolutely crucial against India

Shoaib Akhtar on the Intensity of India-Pakistan Clash:

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar brushed aside speculation of low interest in the India-Pakistan match. In a chat with Tapmad, the “Rawalpindi Express” stressed that emotions are running high and firmly predicted a packed stadium, dismissing rumours about unsold tickets. He maintained that such a marquee clash will undoubtedly draw a full house.

He said, “ Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war. Think about it, it cannot not be houseful. Someone said to me that the tickets are unsold. I said, ‘What are you saying?’ Everything is sold. These are all the external talks.”

Pakistan and India both made emphatic starts to their Asia Cup 2025 campaigns. Pakistan secured a commanding 93-run win over Oman, with Mohammad Haris scoring a quickfire 66. Their spin attack then bundled Oman out for just 67 runs in under 17 overs.

India displayed similar dominance against UAE. After Kuldeep Yadav (4/7) and Shivam Dube (3/4) tore through the opposition’s batting, the target of 58 was chased down with ease. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill ensured a swift finish, taking India to 60/1 in just 4.3 overs, underlining their strength ahead of the big clash with Pakistan.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar reflected on the highly emotional backdrop surrounding the upcoming India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash. According to him, the encounter is not just another cricket match, but a contest being played amid heightened political and social tensions between the two nations.

The rivalry comes after a particularly difficult period for both countries. The terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, left deep scars. The tragic incident added to the already strained relationship, making the prospect of an India-Pakistan clash even more sensitive and closely followed.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terror bases across the border. The operation escalated tensions and nearly brought the two countries into a larger conflict. It was only after Pakistan sought a ceasefire that the situation was brought under control, setting the stage for this emotional cricketing battle.

See Also: [Watch] India’s vice-captain pulls off brilliant one-handed catch in practice before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 clash

Shoaib Akhtar Dismisses Claims Suggesting Unsold Tickets:

Shoaib Akhtar expressed confidence that the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash will witness a packed stadium. He dismissed claims suggesting unsold tickets, stressing that such a high-profile encounter would naturally draw full attendance, especially with just a day left before the much-anticipated showdown. 

According to him, the hype alone ensures a houseful atmosphere at the venue. He said, “ Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war. Think about it — it cannot not be houseful. Someone said to me that the tickets are unsold. I said, 'What are you saying?' Everything is sold; these are all the external talks.”

Ex-India cricketer claims India B team could beat Pakistan:

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan stirred debate with his bold remark on Pakistan’s current squad. He suggested that even a second-string Indian team has the strength and depth to overcome this Pakistan side, highlighting the contrasting quality and bench power between the two cricketing nations ahead of their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.

He said, “ India's B team will also beat this Pakistan team because things have changed. When we played in the 90s, they were a very good side. Now the boot is on the other foot. I will not miss Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) because then I will start missing Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev also.”

He further said, “ The king is dead, long live the king. Things move, new superstars come in, and this embarrassment of riches, and I feel sorry for the selectors because to keep everyone in the mix because who's to drop and who's to pick.”

August 13, 1975, is the birthday of Shoaib Akhtar, one of the most lethal fast bowlers the cricket world has ever seen. The fast bowler from Pakistan earned the nickname 'Rawalpindi Express' because of his luxury pace.

The legend of Pakistan cricket twice clocked going past the 100 mph barrier, and often, he shared a healthy competition with Australia's Brett Lee. During their prime, both the pacers tried to overlap each other's pace. Still today, admiration between them for each other is unmatchable.

Akhtar's career could have been longer and more entertaining on the field if he had managed to keep himself from various out-of-field controversies. When Shobai found his rhythm, he was unstoppable, but repeated issues related to fitness did not allow him to contribute to the Pakistan cricket team at a constant rate. From allegations of drug scandal in 2006 to a spat with teammate Mohammad Asif the year after, all were parts of his career.

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Career stats in brief 

After a disappointing run in the 2011 World Cup, the controversial but effective fast bowler announced his retirement from international cricket. Due to multiple injury issues and never-ending controversies, Akhtar managed to play only 46 matches and took 178 wickets, including a best figure of 11/78 during a Test match against New Zealand in 2003.

In ODIs, 6/16 was his career-best figure, which came against the same opposition, New Zealand, in 2002. His T20I career is not as decorative as his career in the other two formats. In 15 T20Is, the pacer got 19 scalps with his name, including the best figure of 3/38. He played 3 matches in the Indian Premier League as well for the Kolkata Knight Riders to grab 5 wickets. 

On April 27, 2025, the Indian government went ahead and banned 17 Pakistani YouTube channels, most of them centered around cricket, after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This has created a lot of discussions, as these channels had over 83 million subscribers collectively, indicating a significant number of cricket fans worldwide viewed content from these ten creators or creators who broadcasted these channels. 

The Pahalgam terror attack, which preceded this action, raised tensions between India and Pakistan and came in good form for the Indian government, as several forms of Pakistani media endured measures and a rationale was created to take down the offending or anti-India media. This included YouTube channels and hundreds of media outlets in Pakistan, to which the usage of false information was used as justification for bans on media channels. The channels banned included a lot of known names in cricket journalism and commentary, inclusive of Geo News, ARY News, and SAMAA TV, as well as individual creators such as Irshad Bhatti and Raufar. 

List of Banned Channels

Below is a detailed list of the banned YouTube channels, their handles, and their subscriber counts at the time of the ban. These are a few other YouTube channels that have also been banned in India.

Total Subscribers: 33.623M

Watch the video here

Pakistani YouTube Channel which got Banned in India .
Thread 🧵-

1. Rizwan haider pic.twitter.com/w9CDXQIrl4

— JosD92 (@J0SD92) April 28, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 46: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Full Match Highlights

Impact on Cricket Fans

A cricket fan will be adversely affected in this case if a more subjective form of viewing or supporting is seen from channels and creators that received reliance, ideas, support, context, updates, summaries, and commentary in terms of Pakistan cricket news updates that included a heavier cargo channel such as Geo News (31.8M subscribers) and ARY News (14.6M subscribers) will be truly important as they received live updates for sports news and coverage of pressing ideas or coverage of some Pakistan cricket news, social media from players, pre- and post-match interviews, and highlights for every significant game they would have taken the time to broadcast and prepare in front of audiences. Small creators such as Muneeb (16K subscribers) and Samaa Sports (73.5K subscribers) had smaller audiences, but this did not matter to their niche study as creators in the cricket fan community.

The decision has generated mixed reactions. Some support the Indian government's position and say that these channels usually disseminated slanted commentary. Some, such as cricket fans and digital rights activists, argue that the ban is an abuse of power and that sport should remain apolitical. As well, the ban calls into question the access to content in a digital age, given that many of these channels were popular not just among people in Pakistan but also among Indian viewers and the diaspora around the world.