Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has warned Pakistan team ahead ofthe first Test against South Africa in Karachi.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Akhtar insisted that theseries is crucial for the Pakistan team management.

“This is a very important series for the management sitting in the dressingroom. If results don’t go Pakistan’s way, they will surely be removed fromtheir roles,” said Akhtar.

“My best wishes are with Pakistan but we must not take South African teamlightly. I think this will be a tough series as South Africa are a strongside. Pakistan will need to play fearless cricket inorder to succeed,” headded.

He also stressed on the imp0rtance of the role played by the pitches in thetwo-match Test series.

“I think Pakistan’s chances of winning the series will depend on what kindof pitches are prepared and the team combination. I hope they don’t makeflat wickets because that would lead to 500-plus runs total and drawnmatches, which we don’t want to see,” he said. “I think we can trap SouthAfrica through our spinners but it remains to be seen what the teammanagement is planning to do.”

First of the two-match series will begin on January 26 at the NationalStadium in Karachi.