Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized the Indian media for putting unnecessary pressure on the Indian national cricket team ahead of a high-risk match against Pakistan. India and Pakistan are scheduled to open the 2023 Asian Cup, but Akhtar said the media frenzy has a negative impact on the Indians’ team performance during the 2022 Asian Cup Super Four game. “I remembered past events”.
Akhtar expressed his belief that while India does not have talent shortages, it often succumbs to intense pressure from the media. He called on the Indian media to show more respect and lessen the burden on the national team, saying it would be counterproductive to put too much pressure on the national team.
Akhtar reflected on his own experience, referring to a time in Dubai where the Indian media heavily promoted his country’s team, creating an atmosphere of great pressure. Such an approach could backfire, he said, saying that if Pakistan were seen as an outsider, it would ease the pressure on the country and allow it to act more freely and confidently,he added.
Notably, Pakistan beat India in the Super 4 stage of the 2022 Asian Cup, beating them by five wickets in a memorable match at Dubai International Stadium. In the current Asian Cup, Pakistan started with a commanding victory over Nepal and won by 238 points.
