Champions Trophy: Wasim Akram Slams Pakistan’s Performance: “Itne Kele To Bandar Bhi Nahin Khata”

The legendary pacer criticized Pakistan’s outdated approach, lack of fitness, and bowling failures following their humiliating Champions Trophy 2025 exit.

February 26, 2025: Pakistan cricket is facing one of its biggest crises, with former captain Wasim Akram openly lambasting the team after their embarrassing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. Following consecutive losses to India and New Zealand, Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament before even playing their final group-stage match.

Also Read: Imran Khan Warns on Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Exit: “Cricket Will Be Destroyed”

In a fiery post-match discussion on the “Dressing Room” show, Akram did not hold back, criticizing the team’s lack of intensity, outdated approach, and even their diet choices during the match against India.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Pakistan Faces Financial Turmoil After Early Exit

“I think it was the first or second drinks break, and there was a plate full of bananas for the players. Itne kele toh bandar bhi nahi khaate (Even monkeys don’t eat so many bananas). If Imran Khan were our captain, he would have given me a beating over it,” Akram remarked, emphasizing the team’s lack of professionalism.

Pakistan Playing “Archaic Cricket”

Akram stressed that Pakistan’s approach to white-ball cricket is outdated, stating that the game has evolved at a rapid pace, but the team has failed to keep up.

Also Read: Champions Trophy Exit: Wasim Jaffer Criticizes Bangladesh’s Batting Fielding Errors And Missed Opportunities

“We are playing archaic cricket. Drastic steps are needed. Bring fearless cricketers, young blood into the team. If you have to make five-six changes, do it,” he asserted, urging selectors to rebuild the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Bowling Woes: “Even Worse Than Oman and USA”

Akram also singled out Pakistan’s bowling unit, revealing alarming statistics about their poor performance in recent ODIs.

“Enough is enough. You have made them stars, but look at the numbers. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have taken just 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket.

“Our bowling average is even worse than Oman and USA. Out of 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan ranks second-worst,” he added, expressing frustration at the team’s deteriorating standards.

Pakistan, who last won an ICC trophy in 2017 (Champions Trophy final vs India), has since lost all ODIs against their arch-rivals, including the latest six-wicket defeat in Dubai.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Akram’s remarks highlight the urgent need for Pakistan cricket to rethink its strategy, fitness standards, and selection process if they are to reclaim their lost glory.

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