Pakistan is on the brink of a group-stage elimination for the third time in an ICC ODI tournament, despite the fact that they are still officially awaiting their fate in the 2025 Champions Trophy. They were unable to advance to the knockout phases of the World Cup in the previous two editions, as they finished in fifth place. Pakistan, the incumbent champions and the host nation of the ongoing Champions Trophy, have been virtually eliminated from the tournament after losing their first two matches. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selection committee were the targets of scorn from stalwarts Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar as a consequence of the outcome.
After Pakistan’s defeat to India in Dubai on Sunday, Akram stated on Sports Central that fans have had enough of the promises and the expectation of a positive outcome, and he is advocating for “drastic change.” He initially instructed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to inquire about the selection committee’s decision to select the Champions Trophy squad. Subsequently, he encouraged management to immediately identify new players and commence their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.Drastic measures are required. Enough is enough! For years, we have been experiencing defeats in white-ball cricket with the same individuals. It is time to take a bold step and recruit youthful players who play fearless cricket. Make significant modifications if you desire. Provide the new players with six months of support and commence the preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have reached our limit. You provided them with opportunities and elevated them to superstar status. The Pakistani bowlers have taken 24 wickets in the last five games, but their average is 60. Pakistan’s bowling average is the second lowest among 14 teams, including the United States and Oman, that participated in one-day international cricket this year. This is a startling statistic. What actions should we take at this time? The Chairman should return home, contact the captain, coach, and selection committee, and inquire about the selection they made. Did it appear as though Khusdil Shah and Salman Agha could have dismissed any Indian batter? We are shouting here, expressing our concern that the squad is not in good health. The Chairman instructed them to disclose the squad with one day remaining. He stated, “They convened for an hour and emerged with the same team.”
Akram also criticized Mohammad Rizwan’s stewardship and the Pakistani players’ body language during India’s pursuit of 242.
“The captain is the vessel’s commander.” How can the team achieve success if it is unaware of the match-winning players it requires? When India reached the 15th or 18th over in their chase, Pakistani players appeared to be utterly disconnected from the game. I have never witnessed fans departing early. He further stated, “This is very unfortunate.”
“This is a management that is both naive and incompetent.”
Akhtar, too, expressed similar sentiments, criticizing the team selection and characterizing the Pakistani management as “brainless and clueless.” He also believed that the players were directionless as they entered the tournament, with none of them even approaching the skill sets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“I am not at all disheartened by India’s defeat; I anticipated it.” It is impossible to select five bowlers, as the entire globe is currently playing six bowlers. You opt for two versatile players; however, this is a sign of a lack of intelligence and understanding on the part of the management. Akhtar expressed his disappointment in an emotive video that he shared on his X account. “We cannot place the blame on the children (Pakistani players); the players are as flawed as the team management.” They are uncertain about the appropriate course of action. The intent is distinct; they lack the skillsets of Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they nor the management possess any knowledge. They have initiated action without any discernible direction. No one is aware of the appropriate course of action.
