Pakistan’s Struggles in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram has voiced his frustration over the national team’s poor performance following their crushing six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held at Dubai International Stadium, was a crucial encounter for Pakistan, but the team failed to deliver, leading to severe criticism from fans and experts alike.
Pakistan’s loss has put their title defence in jeopardy, virtually eliminating them from the tournament. Despite putting up 241 runs on the board, the team couldn’t defend their total, as India chased the target with ease, winning with 45 balls to spare. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century ensured a comfortable victory for India.
Wasim Akram’s Harsh Criticism of Pakistan Cricket
Speaking on a popular television program, Wasim Akram didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment. He called for urgent changes in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket, stating:
“Enough is enough. Now it is time to take drastic steps. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages.”
Akram stressed that Pakistan’s outdated approach to the game is costing them matches and that the selectors need to introduce younger, fearless players, even if it means facing short-term setbacks.
Call for Major Team Changes
The former fast bowler emphasized the need for immediate reforms, suggesting that Pakistan must rebuild with a focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup:
“If you need to make five or six changes, just do it. You might keep losing for the next six months. It’s fine, but start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now.”
According to Akram, Pakistan’s squad lacks the aggression and adaptability required for modern white-ball cricket. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take bold steps in rejuvenating the team.
Pakistan’s Bowling Woes
Another major point of criticism was Pakistan’s bowling attack, which has performed poorly in recent matches. Akram highlighted some alarming statistics, stating:
- Pakistan bowlers have taken only 24 wickets in the last five ODIs, conceding runs at an average of 60 per wicket.
- Among 14 international teams, including Oman and the USA, Pakistan’s bowling average ranks second-lowest.
These numbers indicate a severe lack of penetration and consistency in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, which used to be the team’s greatest strength.
PCB Chairman Urged to Take Action
Wasim Akram also called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to demand accountability from the team’s leadership.
He urged the chairman to question the captain, selection committee, and coach regarding their decisions:
“Chairman sir, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made.”
Mohammad Rizwan’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny
Akram did not spare Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan either, questioning his leadership skills and decision-making:
“Even the captain is to blame. He is the leader of the ship, and if he doesn’t know what kind of match-winner he needs, then it’s embarrassing.”
With Pakistan’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, Akram’s comments have intensified the pressure on both the players and management. The demand for a complete overhaul is growing louder among fans and former cricketers alike.
FAQs
1. Why is Wasim Akram criticizing the Pakistan cricket team?
Wasim Akram is unhappy with Pakistan’s outdated approach to white-ball cricket, poor performances, and weak bowling attack, which have led to multiple defeats.
2. What changes is Wasim Akram suggesting for the team?
He is calling for five to six major changes, advocating for younger and fearless players, even if it leads to short-term losses, to rebuild the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
3. What did Akram say about Pakistan’s bowling performance?
He pointed out that Pakistan’s bowling average ranks second-lowest among 14 international teams, with bowlers conceding 60 runs per wicket in the last five ODIs.
4. What did Akram say about PCB’s role?
He urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold the captain, selection committee, and coach accountable for the team’s poor selections and performances.
5. Why is Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy under scrutiny?
Akram believes Rizwan has failed as a leader, questioning his ability to identify and utilize match-winners effectively.
Tags:
Pakistan Cricket Team, Wasim Akram, Pakistan vs India, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohammad Rizwan, PCB, Pakistan Cricket Performance, Cricket Analysis, Pakistan Bowling Performance
Short Title & Slug:
Pakistan Cricket Overhaul: Akram Calls for Major Changes Slug: pakistan-cricket-overhaul-akram-comments
Enough is Enough: Wasim Akram Calls for Pakistan Cricket Team’s Overhaul
Pakistan’s Struggles in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram has voiced his frustration over the national team’s poor performance following their crushing six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, held at Dubai International Stadium, was a crucial encounter for Pakistan, but the team failed to deliver, leading to severe criticism from fans and experts alike.
Pakistan’s loss has put their title defence in jeopardy, virtually eliminating them from the tournament. Despite putting up 241 runs on the board, the team couldn’t defend their total, as India chased the target with ease, winning with 45 balls to spare. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century ensured a comfortable victory for India.
Wasim Akram’s Harsh Criticism of Pakistan Cricket
Speaking on a popular television program, Wasim Akram didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment. He called for urgent changes in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket, stating:
“Enough is enough. Now it is time to take drastic steps. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages.”
Akram stressed that Pakistan’s outdated approach to the game is costing them matches and that the selectors need to introduce younger, fearless players, even if it means facing short-term setbacks.
Call for Major Team Changes
The former fast bowler emphasized the need for immediate reforms, suggesting that Pakistan must rebuild with a focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup:
“If you need to make five or six changes, just do it. You might keep losing for the next six months. It’s fine, but start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now.”
According to Akram, Pakistan’s squad lacks the aggression and adaptability required for modern white-ball cricket. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take bold steps in rejuvenating the team.
Pakistan’s Bowling Woes
Another major point of criticism was Pakistan’s bowling attack, which has performed poorly in recent matches. Akram highlighted some alarming statistics, stating:
Pakistan bowlers have taken only 24 wickets in the last five ODIs, conceding runs at an average of 60 per wicket.
Among 14 international teams, including Oman and the USA, Pakistan’s bowling average ranks second-lowest.
These numbers indicate a severe lack of penetration and consistency in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, which used to be the team’s greatest strength.
PCB Chairman Urged to Take Action
Wasim Akram also called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to demand accountability from the team’s leadership.
He urged the chairman to question the captain, selection committee, and coach regarding their decisions:
“Chairman sir, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made.”
Mohammad Rizwan’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny
Akram did not spare Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan either, questioning his leadership skills and decision-making:
“Even the captain is to blame. He is the leader of the ship, and if he doesn’t know what kind of match-winner he needs, then it’s embarrassing.”
With Pakistan’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, Akram’s comments have intensified the pressure on both the players and management. The demand for a complete overhaul is growing louder among fans and former cricketers alike.
FAQs
1. Why is Wasim Akram criticizing the Pakistan cricket team?
Wasim Akram is unhappy with Pakistan’s outdated approach to white-ball cricket, poor performances, and weak bowling attack, which have led to multiple defeats.
2. What changes is Wasim Akram suggesting for the team?
He is calling for five to six major changes, advocating for younger and fearless players, even if it leads to short-term losses, to rebuild the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
3. What did Akram say about Pakistan’s bowling performance?
He pointed out that Pakistan’s bowling average ranks second-lowest among 14 international teams, with bowlers conceding 60 runs per wicket in the last five ODIs.
4. What did Akram say about PCB’s role?
He urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold the captain, selection committee, and coach accountable for the team’s poor selections and performances.
5. Why is Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy under scrutiny?
Akram believes Rizwan has failed as a leader, questioning his ability to identify and utilize match-winners effectively.
