New Delhi: Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the team, selectors, and management. Pakistan’s loss to India in the Group A match in Dubai has virtually ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals, despite a series of changes in leadership and team composition after their failure in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Speaking on the post-match analysis show Dressing Room, Akram criticized Pakistan’s outdated approach to white-ball cricket. “Drastic steps are needed. We have been playing archaic cricket for ages while the game has evolved. This needs to change. Bring in fearless cricketers, young blood. If five or six changes are required, make them,” Akram asserted. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on long-term development, even if it means short-term failures. “If you keep losing for six months, it’s fine, but start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now onwards.”
Akram was particularly critical of Pakistan’s bowling unit, highlighting their alarming statistics. “In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have taken only 24 wickets at an average of 60. That is worse than teams like Oman and the USA. Among the 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst.”
The former captain also called out the PCB, selection committee, and coaching staff for their poor squad choices. “Chairman saab, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made. Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha—did they ever look like wicket-takers?” Akram revealed that he had warned about the squad’s weaknesses weeks before the tournament but was ignored. “I kept saying this squad isn’t good, but the chairman insisted they had picked the best team.”
Akram didn’t spare captain Mohammad Rizwan either, holding him accountable for Pakistan’s failure. “A day before the tournament, they held a meeting for an hour and still came out with the same squad. Even the captain is to blame. He is the leader, and if he doesn’t know what kind of match-winners he needs, then it’s getting embarrassing.”
Reflecting on the impact of Pakistan’s performance, Akram pointed out the disappointment among fans. “You should have seen the faces of Pakistan supporters at the stadium. They left after 15 overs when Pakistan was bowling.”