Shoaib Akhtar criticises Babar Azam's captaincy after Pakistan knocked out of Asia Cup 2023

Shoaib Akhtar was left disappointed after Sri Lanka knocked out Pakistan from Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday night.

On his YouTube channel, the former Pakistan cricketer said that Pakistan deserved to win the Asia Cup final but they are out of the tournament. They can be criticised a lot as they were touted as the 'favourites'.

'Pakistan deserved to win go to the Asia Cup final but they are out of the tournament. They can be criticised a lot as they were touted as the 'favourites' but are out of the tournament now. Unfortunately, there can't be a Pakistan vs India match in the final, it has never happened (kabhi Pakistan, India ka match (final) ho nahi sakta, kabhi hua nahi). This was the chance but Sri Lanka deserved to be the finalists. They were the far better team,' he stated.

Calling the loss embarrassing, Akhtar said, 'The fact that Pakistan are out of the tournament, doesn't look nice. Pakistan has a lot to think about. The captaincy needs to sharpen up a bit. I am very disappointed. Can't say more,'

Sri Lanka pulled off a last-ball thriller to beat Pakistan by 2 wickets and punched its ticket to Asia Cup 2023 final, where they will face India on Sunday.