Former Pakistan pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar has lamented the decline of his country's cricketing culture in the wake of Misbah-ul-Haq men's dismal World Cup campaign, adding that it was also due to the failure of living legends to inspire youngsters.
Earlier in the week, Akhtar made scathing remarks on Misbah, describing the skipper as coward and selfish as he was not willing to bat up the order to protect other players at a time when he needs to show inspiration.
Reflecting on the current plight of the team, Akhtar said that it was the collapse of the society and of cricketing culture, the Express Tribune reported.
The former paceman, who is known as the Rawalpindi Express, added that it was a failure of Pakistan's first-class cricket, of its grassroots, and of living legends who failed to inspire youngsters.
Pakistan suffered a humiliating 150-run defeat against the West Indies at Hagley Oval last week after Misbah's men were thrashed by defending champions India in their opening game.
Clarifying his earlier statement on Misbah, Akhtar said that what he really wanted was Misbah to take a lead as he could manage if he comes in a one-down position and takes charge of the immature batting line-up.