From Shoaib Akhtar to Wasim Akram: Pakistan legends unleash brutal attack after a frustrating loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025

The cricketing world was left stunned as Pakistan suffered a six-wicket defeat to India in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai. This was Pakistan’s second consecutive loss in the tournament, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, putting them on the brink of elimination.

While India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 241, the backlash from Pakistan’s former players and experts has been relentless. Legendary cricketers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, and Umar Akmal have openly criticized Pakistan’s poor tactics, lack of intent, and questionable team selection, leaving the team under intense scrutiny.

A Match That Never Lived Up to the Hype

The high-voltage encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan was expected to be a thriller, but it turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that seemed reasonable on paper. However, what followed was a defensive and uninspiring batting display.

• Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, started cautiously but never really shifted gears.
• The top order failed to capitalize on the powerplay, managing only 11 boundaries in the first 20 overs.
• The middle order collapsed under pressure, and Pakistan posted a below-par 241 all out.

In response, India made the chase look effortless, thanks to a magnificent century from Virat Kohli. The legendary batter played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 100 off 111 balls and guiding India to victory with six wickets in hand.

This dominant win all but secured India’s place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan now faces an early exit unless New Zealand loses to Bangladesh—an unlikely scenario given the form of both teams.

Wasim Akram: ‘Match Was Lost in the First 20 Overs’

Cricket legend Wasim Akram didn’t hold back while analyzing Pakistan’s lackluster performance. Speaking on ‘DP World Dressing Room’, Akram pointed out that the game was already lost within the first 20 overs due to Pakistan’s negative approach.

“India hit 11 boundaries in the first 10 overs. Pakistan hit 11 boundaries in the first 20 overs. The match was over right there. I don’t know what they were thinking.”

Akram also slammed Pakistan’s team selection, particularly questioning the inclusion of part-time bowlers like Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha.

“Thinking Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha can dismiss world-class players? What was the strategy? There was none,” Akram stated, expressing his disappointment.

Pakistan’s lack of attacking mindset during the powerplay frustrated the former skipper, as India dominated from the outset.

Waqar Younis: ‘We Didn’t Have Enough Runs to Defend’

Former fast-bowling great Waqar Younis echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Pakistan never had enough runs on the board to challenge India.

“We like batting first, but if you don’t put up enough runs, this is what happens. You start over-trying things.”

Waqar admitted that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan initially looked promising, but after their dismissals, the batting order completely lost direction.

“Babar was looking good, and Rizwan hit a four off his first ball. It looked like we were going to put up a strong score. But what happened after that? I honestly don’t know. I don’t think anybody knows.”

The lack of intent and execution left Pakistan with a below-par score, which was never going to trouble a star-studded Indian lineup.

Shoaib Akhtar: ‘Brainless, Clueless Management’

Among the harshest critics was former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s management and coaching staff.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar blamed poor planning, team selection, and lack of preparation for Pakistan’s humiliating defeat.

“I am not disappointed at all because I knew this was going to happen. The whole world is playing with six bowlers, and you can’t even manage five. You go with all-rounders and hope for the best? Brainless. Clueless management.”

Akhtar also criticized the players, claiming that they lacked the skill set and game awareness to compete with top teams like India.

“Intent is different from skill. They don’t have the skill of Rohit, Virat, or Shubman. Neither do they have game awareness, nor does the management.”

His explosive remarks reflect a deep-rooted frustration over Pakistan’s continued failures in ICC tournaments.

Mohammad Hafeez: ‘This Bowling Attack Has Failed Repeatedly’

Former Pakistan all-rounder and ex-head coach Mohammad Hafeez turned his criticism towards Pakistan’s bowling attack, stating that the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has repeatedly failed in major tournaments.

“Since 2022, this trio has played in the Asia Cup, T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and now the Champions Trophy. Every time, they have failed.”

Hafeez suggested that Pakistan should look beyond these bowlers and invest in young talents like:

• Mohammad Ali
• Khurram Shahzad
• Mohammad Wasim Jr.
• Akif Javed
• Mir Hamza

“These three pacers have proven they can’t win us big tournaments. Let’s move on.”

His bold call for change could spark a major reshuffle in Pakistan’s bowling lineup in the coming months.

Umar Akmal Blames Babar Azam for Weak Bench Strength

In a rather controversial take, former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal blamed Babar Azam’s captaincy tenure for the team’s lack of bench strength.

“Babar was captain for nearly five years, and he never tried to build a backup squad because of his likes and dislikes.”

Umar also revealed that he personally requested Babar for a chance but was ignored despite performing well in domestic cricket.

“I told Babar, give me a fair chance. You are playing well in the top order; I can be your finisher. We could win matches together. But he didn’t listen.”

His claims have added another layer of controversy to Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, raising concerns about player favoritism within the squad.

What’s Next for Pakistan?

With two back-to-back defeats, Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals look slim. Their only hope now rests on Bangladesh pulling off an upset victory against New Zealand—a highly improbable scenario.

The team management faces serious questions regarding:

✅ Tactical Failures
✅ Selection Blunders
✅ Lack of Squad Depth
✅ Inconsistent Performances in ICC Tournaments

If Pakistan does indeed crash out, major changes could be on the horizon—including a possible overhaul of the coaching staff, captaincy, and bowling attack.

Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan’s defeat to India was more than just a loss—it was a wake-up call exposing flaws in strategy, intent, and execution. As cricketing legends lambast the team, it’s clear that a massive shake-up is needed if Pakistan wants to compete at the highest level.

With their Champions Trophy campaign hanging by a thread, the team must regroup and rethink before it’s too late. Will this be the turning point Pakistan cricket needs? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis!

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