Wasim Akram lambasts the Pakistan team in a scathing outburst following defeat to India

From the Pakistan skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, to the selection committee, all came under the scrutiny of an enraged Wasim Akram following the team's defeat to India. The outburst was not just a reaction to the India vs Pakistan result but the culmination of the team’s dismal run in white-ball cricket. Heading into the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan had already suffered a setback, losing the ODI tri-series final against New Zealand. Moreover, they endured three consecutive defeats to the Kiwis within a week, including a 60-run loss in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. Given the rare opportunity to host an ICC tournament after more than 30 years, Pakistan now faces the grim prospect of being the first team eliminated from the marquee event.

Wasim Akram tears into the Pakistan team after humiliating run in the ICC Champions Trophy

The humiliating run of the Pakistan team in the ODI season, Wasim Akram has torn into the performances of the players and the management. Pakistan never truly looked in contention of a victory against India. While Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel managed to last long on the pitch in the opening innings, the runs didn't come at a rate that would benefit the team. Moreover, a collapse in the middle and lower order at the hands of the Indian spinners restricted Pakistan at a total of 241 in Dubai. Meanwhile, the bowling attack fell utterly clueless as Virat Kohli proved enough to see off the match. As the Indian batter charged to his 51st century, all the Pakistani bowlers from Shaheen Afridi to Abrar Ahmed looked hapless.

Despite still being mathematically in contention for a semi-final spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan finds itself on the brink of yet another early exit from an ICC ODI tournament. This marks the third consecutive time the former world champions have faced a potential group-stage elimination, having finished fifth in the last two World Cups. Now, as both the defending champions and the host nation, Pakistan has all but bowed out of the Champions Trophy after back-to-back defeats as their campaign now relies on Bangladesh and India beating New Zealand.

The disappointing campaign has drawn sharp criticism from cricketing greats Wasim Akram, who didn't hold back in their assessment of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selection committee. Following Pakistan’s six-wicket loss to India in Dubai, Akram voiced his frustration, expressing that fans are fed up with empty assurances and unfulfilled expectations. He called for "drastic change" and urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to demand accountability from the selectors regarding squad choices for the tournament. Additionally, he emphasized the need to overhaul the team with fresh talent and start planning immediately for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“Enough is enough. We have seen everything, we have given chances, created superstars," Wasim said. "PCB chairman has to call up the selection committee, call the captain, coach and our five legends and ask them what is this selection. Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha, did it look like they will get out someone, Virat Kohli types. This is the fact and we have to say it. We had been screaming that this squad was not good” the 58-year-old Akram added. 

The former cricketer also took aim at the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, criticizing his captaincy decisions while pointing out the team’s uninspiring body language during India's chase of 242.

“The captain is also responsible. He is the captain of the ship and leader. If he doesn’t know which match winners he needs in his own conditions, if he is unable to read his own conditions then it’s embarrassing. There were around 8-10% Pakistani fans in the ground and they started leaving after Pakistan bowled 15-18 overs, I had not seen this in the history of Pakistan, this is unfortunate. We as a nation are very passionate…It’s frustrating,” Akram concluded.