Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
Former captain Wasim Akram slams Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, calling for drastic changes and young talent to replace the struggling squad.
February 25, 2025: Wasim Akram Fumes at Pakistan Team After India Defeat: Calls for Overhaul
Pakistan’s crushing defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has once again put the spotlight on the team’s struggles in white-ball cricket. Former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has expressed his frustration, calling for a complete overhaul of the squad and Pakistan’s approach to modern-day cricket.
Speaking on the post-match analysis show Dressing Room, Akram criticized Pakistan’s outdated playing style, which he believes is a major reason for their downfall. “We are playing archaic cricket in white-ball formats. The game has evolved, and we have failed to keep up. Drastic changes are needed—bring in young, fearless players,” Akram said.
The legendary bowler also pointed out alarming statistics about Pakistan’s bowling, stating, “In the last five ODIs, our bowlers have taken just 24 wickets at an average of 60. That’s worse than teams like Oman and the USA. Out of the 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst.”
Akram also took aim at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), questioning the squad selection and calling out selectors for not making the necessary changes ahead of the tournament. “I’ve been saying for weeks that this squad is not good enough, yet the chairman insisted that they had picked the best team. Where are the match-winners?” he questioned.
The former skipper didn’t hold back while criticizing Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, stating that as a leader, he should have taken charge of the squad’s planning. “The captain is the leader of the ship. If he doesn’t understand what kind of players he needs to win matches, then that’s a problem. The way things are going, it’s becoming embarrassing.”
Akram also revealed the disappointment of Pakistan fans, many of whom left the stadium early after witnessing another underwhelming performance. “You should have seen the faces of the Pakistan fans. By the 15th over of India’s innings, they were already walking out of the stadium.”
With Pakistan nearly out of the semi-finals race, Akram urged the team management to look ahead and start building a squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. “If you have to make five or six changes, do it. Even if you lose for the next six months, at least build a team for the future.”
Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has triggered widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers alike, with many now demanding serious reforms in the team’s approach, strategy, and leadership. Whether PCB will act on these calls remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting on the cricketing establishment to address the team’s ongoing failures.
