‘Never seen more cowardly, selfish captain than Misbah’

Former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar unhappy with current captain Misbah ul Haq after the side’s loss to West Indies.

Pakistan v West Indies - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
Misbah was dismissed for just seven against West Indies [Getty Images]

Former paceman Shoaib Akhtar has labelled captain Misbah ul Haq ‘a coward’ and ‘a selfish player’ after Pakistan were crushed by 150 runs by West Indies in the World Cup.

Misbah, 40, has been a successful Test captain since taking charge in 2010 and has also led the one-day squad since 2011.

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He batted at number five against West Indies in Christchurch on Saturday but made only seven as Pakistan were bowled out for 160 to slump to their second straight defeat in the competition.

“I have not seen a more coward and selfish captain than Misbah,” the 39-year-old Akhtar told the Geo News TV channel.

“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.”

Former Test captain Ramiz Raja also believes it is time for senior batsman Younis to step down after failing in the opening two World Cup matches.

“I beg of Younis. Thank you for your services to Pakistan cricket but please leave this ODI side now,” said Ramiz.

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

Source: Reuters