{
  "id": 6080946,
  "title": "'Pakistan on ventilator': Shoaib Akhtar reveals PCB’s 'nothing' expectation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/pakistan-on-ventilator-shoaib-akhtar-reveals-pcbs-nothing-expectation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T00:53:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/pakistan-cricket-on-a-ventilator-shoaib-akhtars-brutal-verdict-as-nothing-is-expected-from-squad/articleshow/133857846.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's cricket team is undergoing a significant overhaul in the wake of an underwhelming start to their England tour, according to former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made substantial changes before the conclusion of the three-Test series, which England has dominated with two decisive victories. Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, and seven other players have been removed from the squad, with a focus on younger talent. Akhtar, speaking on the OutSide EDGE show, revealed that the PCB's expectations for the current team are minimal, stating, \"Nothing. We have expectations from the next generation of players that we are preparing for the big stage.\" Despite the changes, Akhtar believes Pakistan cricket is in a critical phase, likening the situation to \"being on a ventilator\" and estimating it may take around two years to revive the national setup. He also highlighted the importance of protecting the careers of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf during this transition.",
  "summary": "Pakistan Cricket Board is undertaking a significant rebuilding phase following poor tour performances. Senior players have been removed from the squad for the final Test match. Former bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes the board has lost confidence in the current team. He stressed the need to protect the careers of younger fast bowlers. The board is now focusing on developing a new generation of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}