In a dramatic U-turn, Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar has walked back his criticism of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, calling him "a good guy" just a day after his comments on the chief, which were widely believed to be a scathing attack following Pakistan's crushing T20 World Cup defeat to India.

Akhtar, better known as the 'Rawalpindi Express', in an interview with ABP News, had publicly questioned Mohsin Naqvi's suitability as PCB chairman.

"If you make me the chairman of a channel, how would I know how to run it? Now there is a person who does not know, and he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. So what can be done now? How will the team function like this?" Akhtar said.

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"Do you know what the biggest crime in the world is? Giving a big job to an incompetent and illiterate person," he had further said.

Now the legendary speedster has clarified that his earlier criticism was misinterpreted and it was not directed at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally. He also pointed a finger at the Indian media for distorting his words and sparked a controversy.

“My comments were never aimed at Mohsin Naqvi. The remark about incompetence was not directed at him at all — it was meant for the top brass who run international cricket. Some Indian TV channels twisted my words,” Akhtar said on a Pakistani news show.

“In the same programme, I even asked people not to say anything negative about Mohsin bhai, because I won’t tolerate that. I’ve always said he’s a good person who genuinely wants to help Pakistan cricket. But at the same time, he isn’t always given the right advice,” he added.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi's places in question

Akhtar slammed Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi's recent performances, stating Babar isn't suited for T20 cricket and Shaheen appears unfit.

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"Shaheen is not fit. He is not able to bowl over 125 kmph. Secondly, Babar Azam is not going to deliver until you play him as an opener. He is of no use in the middle order. This format is not made for him. Shadab is also an unusual choice; I do not understand it. I do not think we are compatible against India. They are playing cricket that is 50 years ahead of us," the legendary speedster said during the chat on ARY News.

"Everyone is to be blamed for this - myself, the cricket board, media, everyone. We picked the wrong people, made them stars. We did not invest in cricketing infrastructure," he added.