Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes hit a new nadir on Sunday as a spirited Bangladesh secured a 2-1 ODI series victory, sparking a scathing post-mortem from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. The hosts clinched the deciding match by 11 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, leaving the visitors to face a fresh wave of national mourning over the state of their game.

The defeat, which follows Pakistan’s ignominious early exit from the T20 World Cup, was sealed after Bangladesh posted a formidable 290 for five. Opener Tanzid Hasan was the architect of the Pakistan’s loss, smashing a fluent 107 off 98 deliveries. Despite a valiant, lone-warrior century from Salman Ali Agha (106), Pakistan’s middle-order collapsed, eventually being bowled out for 279 off the final ball of the innings.

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Reacting to the capitulation on television, a blistering Kamran Akmal did not mince his words, directing his ire at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team’s tactical naivety. Referring to the lack of silverware and the administrative chaos surrounding the sport, Akmal asked:

“If you don’t beat teams in matches, will you now steal ICC trophies and bring them home?”

Akmal’s monologue grew increasingly bleak as he suggested that Pakistan’s reputation has eroded to the point of becoming a stepping stone for Associate nations. “The condition is such that now even the Netherlands would want to play a series against us, beat us and get Test status,” he remarked, slamming the decision to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface.

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With the 2025 international calendar looming, the pressure on PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has reached boiling point. For a nation that prides itself on cricketing pedigree, this latest collapse in Dhaka feels less like a temporary dip and more like a systemic failure. (With inputs from Agencies)