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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has turned into a nightmare for Pakistan cricket. The hosts, playing their first ICC tournament at home since 1996, suffered an embarrassing group-stage exit without a single win. The fallout has been severe, with fans and former players calling for sweeping changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the team lineup, and coaching staff. Among the most vocal critics is legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, who has not held back in his scathing remarks about the state of Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan’s disastrous campaign on home soil
Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy was nothing short of disastrous. Losses to New Zealand and India, followed by a washed-out game against Bangladesh, left the team winless and at the bottom of their group. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side faced immense criticism for their lacklustre performances, outdated strategies, and poor team selection. This debacle has reignited debates about the structural flaws in Pakistan cricket.
Wasim Akram’s scathing critique over Pakistan cricket
Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, has been particularly critical of Pakistan’s approach. Speaking on the post-match show Dressing Room, Akram lambasted the team for playing “archaic cricket” in an era where white-ball cricket demands innovation and aggression.
“Drastic steps are needed. We are playing archaic cricket in white-ball formats for ages. This needs to change. Bring fearless cricketers, young blood into the team. If you have to make five or six changes, please make them,” Akram said
Akram also emphasized that short-term failures should not deter long-term planning. He urged PCB to start building a team for the T20 World Cup 2026 immediately, even if it means enduring losses over the next six months.
Also READ: Pakistan’s Rashid Latif reveals why Younis Khan joined Afghanistan as mentor
Akram’s brutal dig at Ramiz Raja’s quote
Akram didn’t stop at criticizing the players; he also took a swipe at former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja. Referring to Raja’s earlier statement that “NASA scientists prepare Cristiano Ronaldo’s diet,” Akram sarcastically remarked during a chat show with Ajay Jadeja and Waqar Younis: “Heard that NASA makes Cristiano Ronaldo’s diet. He (Waqar) knows who I am talking about.” This pointed comment highlighted what Akram sees as misplaced priorities and rhetoric within Pakistan cricket leadership.
Here’s the video:
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja says NASA's scientists set Cristiano Ronaldo's diet plan 😱🥩pic.twitter.com/Xk5W1EnneM
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 22, 2023
Wasim Alram 🗣️
"Suna hai Ronaldo ka diet plan @NASA banati hai."
Wasim Bhai & Waqar taking a dig on Ramiz Raja 😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/6FZKseakuo
— M (@anngrypakiistan) February 27, 2025
Bananas on the field: A symbol of mismanagement?
In another biting critique, Akram mocked Pakistan’s dietary choices during matches. Recalling an incident from their game against India, he said: “It was the first or second drinks break, and there was a plate full of bananas for the players. Even monkeys don’t eat so many bananas! Had it been our captain Imran Khan, he would have given me a beating over it.”
This anecdote underscores Akram’s frustration with what he perceives as unprofessionalism and lack of attention to detail in Pakistan cricket.
Bowling woes: Worse than Oman and USA?
One of Akram’s most alarming revelations was about Pakistan’s bowling performance. He pointed out that in their last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers managed only 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket—a statistic worse than associate teams like Oman and the USA.
“Our bowling average is second-worst among 14 teams playing ODIs. Enough is enough. You have made them stars without merit,” Akram added further.
The need for structural reforms
Akram’s criticism extends beyond individual performances to systemic issues plaguing Pakistan cricket. He called for overhauling domestic structures to produce fearless cricketers capable of competing on the global stage.
“Please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made,” he concluded, questioning why players like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha were included despite lacking wicket-taking abilities.
