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Pakistan’s return to hosting an ICC tournament after nearly three decades was meant to be a celebration. Instead, their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand in Karachi turned into a nightmare. A 60-run defeat, marked by listless batting and tactical blunders, left former cricketers seething. Among the most vocal critics was Shoaib Akhtar, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ who minced no words in lambasting the team’s lack of intent, impact players, and outdated approach. With a do-or-die clash against India looming, Akhtar’s verdict is clear: Pakistan must reinvent or face humiliation.
A historic occasion sours: Pakistan’s batting collapse
The stage was set for a triumphant homecoming, but Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure. Chasing 321, the team slumped to 260 all out, with Babar Azam’s 64 off 90 balls epitomizing their sluggishness. While Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) offered fleeting resistance, their efforts were too little, too late.
In his You Tube channel, Akhtar highlighted the absence of urgency: “You all saw the match, you would be disappointed just like me. Pakistan is playing completely different cricket compared to what the rest of the world is doing. There are no impact players, strike rate is very slow. They don’t even play run-a-ball. We leak a lot of runs.”
The statistics were damning: Pakistan played 143 dot balls, and Babar went 17 overs without a boundary. Former players like Wasim Akram joined the chorus on Sports Central show, stating, “I’d rather have a quick 35 off 30 than a torturous 64 off 90“.
Poor start to the tournament for Pakistan. But chin up guys, big game coming up. #iccchampionstrophy pic.twitter.com/hjTTr4m2hM
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 19, 2025
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar and Shoaib Malik guide Pakistan with key advice ahead of India clash
Pakistan’s bowling woes: A four-man attack in the six-bowler world
Pakistan’s decision to field only four frontline bowlers backfired spectacularly. New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) exploited the hosts’ thin attack, while Pakistan’s part-timers leaked runs. With no backup plans, the team conceded 320+ runs, a target that proved insurmountable.
“Pakistan are playing with just 4 bowlers while the rest of the sides play with at least 6-7 bowlers. It is a disappointing start,” Akhtar added.
Babar Azam under fire by Shoaib Akhtar
Babar, once Pakistan’s golden boy, faced scathing criticism. His strike rate of 71.11 drew ire, with Akhtar calling him a “finished product” lacking the intelligence for ODIs: “You can’t play T20 cricket in longer formats“. Analysts like Basit Ali accused Babar of playing for himself, not the team: “Was the nation below him?“. Even Cheteshwar Pujara questioned his intent: “He was trying not to get out“.
The contrast with New Zealand’s centurions, Will Young and Tom Latham, was stark. While they anchored with aggression, Babar’s innings became a symbol of Pakistan’s regression.
Akhtar gives Pakistan team a reality check
Akhtar’s critique went beyond individuals. He argued Pakistan’s entire approach is outdated, “The rest of the world plays impact cricket; we’re stuck in the 90s“. With no power-hitters or dynamic all-rounders, the team lacks the firepower to chase big totals. Fielding lapses compounded the misery, as dropped catches and lethargic efforts cost crucial runs.
The India clash: A do-or-die gamble
Pakistan now face a must-win game against India on February 23 in Dubai. Akhtar’s message is mixed. While Shoaib Malik remains hopeful, citing the 2017 Champions Trophy final upset, Akhtar warns that India’s depth and form make them favourites. He urged, but questioned whether Pakistan’s seniors can handle pressure.
“Pakistan is now in a do-or-die situation against India. The Indian team is very strong and looks difficult. I still wish Pakistan the best of luck. They should go on the offensive and try winning the contest. You have no option but to play very aggressively. But not like this. Wish them best of luck but looks very difficult now,” Akhtar concluded.
