The Pakistan cricket team finds itself in yet another embarrassing position after their dismal performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Although the official elimination is yet to be confirmed, Pakistan is virtually out of the tournament following back-to-back defeats, including a crushing loss against arch-rivals India. This marks the third consecutive ICC ODI event where Pakistan has failed to make it past the group stage, following their fifth-place finishes in the previous two editions of the ICC World Cup. As expected, cricket legends and former players are seething with frustration, and leading the charge are none other than Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.
Pakistan’s Poor Performance in the Champions Trophy
Pakistan entered the tournament as both the host nation and the defending champions, carrying high expectations from their passionate fans. However, their performances on the field have been nothing short of disappointing. In their first two matches, they showcased a lackluster display in both batting and bowling, ultimately leading to their downfall.
Their loss to India in Dubai on Sunday was particularly humiliating. Pakistan, after setting a below-par target of 242 runs, failed to put up a fight with the ball. India chased down the target comfortably, with their top-order batters barely breaking a sweat. It was the body language of the Pakistani players and the tactical errors made by the captain and team management that infuriated former cricketers and fans alike.
Wasim Akram’s Fiery Rant
Speaking on Sports Central after Pakistan’s loss to India, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram did not hold back in expressing his disappointment. He lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selection committee for sticking with underperforming players and failing to introduce fresh talent into the squad.
“We need drastic steps. Enough is enough! We have been losing with the same players for years now in white-ball cricket. It’s time to take a bold step and bring in young players who play fearless cricket. If you want to make big changes, go for it. Give the new players six months, back them, and start preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have had enough. You gave them chances and made them stars.”
Akram did not just stop at criticizing the squad selection; he also shared alarming statistics to highlight the bowling unit’s failure.
“Pakistan bowlers took 24 wickets in the last five games but at an average of 60. The shocking statistic is that Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst among 14 teams, which includes Oman and the USA, that played ODI cricket this year. What should we do now? The Chairman should return home, call the captain, coach, and the selection committee, and ask the latter what kind of selection they made.”
Akram further criticized the selection of certain players, particularly questioning their ability to trouble top-quality opposition batters.
“Did it look like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha could have dismissed any Indian batter? We are screaming here, saying the squad is not okay. The Chairman told them to announce the squad with a day left. They had a meeting for an hour and walked out with the same team.”
His comments reflect the frustration among fans and experts over Pakistan’s inability to revamp their squad despite repeated failures.
Akram on Mohammad Rizwan’s Captaincy
Akram also took aim at Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, for his uninspiring leadership on the field. He criticized Rizwan’s lack of strategic awareness and his inability to lift his team when things weren’t going their way.
“The captain is the leader of the ship. How will the team succeed if he doesn’t know which match-winners he needs? Pakistani players looked completely out of the game when India reached the 15th or 18th over in their chase. Fans leaving early is something I have never seen before. This is unfortunate.”
Shoaib Akhtar’s Brutal Take on Pakistan’s Team Management
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar echoed Akram’s sentiments and went a step further in calling out the team management for their poor decision-making. In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Akhtar labeled the Pakistani management as ‘brainless and clueless’ and criticized them for selecting an imbalanced squad.
“I am not disappointed at all (by the defeat to India) because I knew what would happen. You can’t select five bowlers; the whole world is playing six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed.”
Akhtar emphasized that the players cannot be solely blamed for the defeat because the team lacked proper planning and direction.
“We can’t blame the kids (Pakistan players); The players are just as the team management is! They don’t know what to do. The intent is a different thing, they don’t have the skillsets like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they know anything, nor the management. They have just gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do.”
The Broader Crisis in Pakistan Cricket
The criticism from Akram and Akhtar highlights a much deeper crisis in Pakistan cricket. The lack of proper planning, questionable team selections, and failure to nurture young talent have led to their repeated failures on the global stage. Unlike teams like India and Australia, which have structured domestic circuits that consistently produce top-tier talent, Pakistan continues to struggle with inconsistent selections and poor player development strategies.
Additionally, internal politics and instability within the PCB have only made things worse. Frequent changes in the coaching staff, mismanagement, and lack of accountability have turned Pakistan into an unpredictable and unreliable team in international cricket.
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
With Pakistan virtually out of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the road ahead looks challenging. The upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup provides an opportunity to rebuild, but drastic measures need to be taken immediately.
Wasim Akram’s suggestion of injecting fresh talent into the team and giving them an extended run seems like the most logical step forward. The PCB must identify young players who can bring energy and aggression to the squad and ensure they are groomed properly for the future.
Additionally, leadership remains a major concern. Pakistan needs a captain who can inspire confidence and lead with clarity. If Rizwan is unable to fulfill that role, PCB should consider other options before the T20 World Cup.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy has once again exposed the fundamental flaws in their cricketing system. The outrage from legends like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar is justified, as the team continues to disappoint despite immense potential. Moving forward, PCB must address these concerns, revamp the squad, and instill a long-term vision to ensure Pakistan remains competitive in world cricket.
With back-to-back ICC failures, the patience of fans and former cricketers is running out. As Wasim Akram aptly put it, ‘Enough is enough!’ It is time for Pakistan to wake up and take the tough calls needed to restore their cricketing glory.