New Delhi: Following Pakistan’s six-wicket loss to India in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Hafeez launched a scathing critique of Babar Azam’s performance. The defeat has left Pakistan on the verge of group-stage elimination, intensifying scrutiny on their star batter.

Akhtar Questions Babar’s Legacy

Speaking on Game On Hai, Akhtar did not hold back, calling Babar a “fraud” and questioning his cricketing inspirations.

“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar—he has scored 100 centuries, and Kohli is chasing his legacy,” Akhtar said. “Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (without naming anyone). You picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning.”

Hafeez Doubts Babar’s Big-Match Temperament

Hafeez echoed similar sentiments, raising doubts about Babar’s ability to deliver in high-pressure games. While acknowledging Babar as a “good” player, he pointed out that the 31-year-old has yet to single-handedly win a major series for Pakistan in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.

“Babar Azam is not the true king. That title belongs to Virat Kohli—look at his performances worldwide,” Hafeez remarked. “Forget PR hype, we need match-winners. Name one Player of the Match performance by Babar against India. Why do people remember Shoaib Akhtar’s performances? Why is Younis Khan a big name in Indo-Pak clashes? Because they stepped up in big games.”

Comparison with Past Legends

Hafeez further compared Babar to past Pakistani greats, stating, “Babar Azam is not Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzi bhai used to win matches in tough conditions. Babar has never led Pakistan to victory against India, nor has he been a Player of the Series in SENA countries. He’s been playing for 10 years but hasn’t delivered in critical moments.”

Call for a New Leadership

In a direct message to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and selectors, Hafeez urged them to move on from Babar and invest in fresh talent. “We need to face reality. The players we’re relying on are not delivering. It’s time to look beyond them and give chances to those waiting in the system,” he concluded.