'Itne kele bandar bhi nahi khaate, Imran Khan would've beaten me if...': Riled up Wasim Akram slams Pakistan players' diet after Champions Trophy exit

Wasim Akram is leaving no chance to slam Pakistan team following their early elimination from the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Akram not only criticised Pakistan team's shoddy performance in the Champions Trophy but also voiced lashed out at players' dietary habits. Pakistan's campaign, hosted on a hybrid model, ended prematurely in the group stage after consecutive losses to New Zealand and India. To advance, Pakistan required a Bangladesh win over New Zealand, but the Kiwis secured their semi-final berth alongside India with a five-wicket win on February 25.

The horrific performance has placed the Pakistani players under intense scrutiny, with senior figures such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi facing particular criticism for their failures in this ICC event.

ALSO READ: Pakistan team to undergo massive shakeup after Champions Trophy horror, PCB set to appoint new head coach for this big series

ALSO READ: BCCI to come up with masterplan for targeted Indian players to prepare for Test series against England despite busy IPL 2025 schedule

Wasim Akram shared an incident during the match which left him surprised, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of professional discipline. He specifically mentioned seeing a plate filled with bananas being brought out during a drinks break, a sight that he found shocking and indicative of a concerning approach to nutrition and preparation.

"I think it was the second, or the third drinks break. And I saw a plate full of bananas coming out for players to eat. Itni kele bandar bhi nahi khatte (Even monkey don't have so many bananas). And it's their diet. Had it been out captain Imran Khan, he would have given me a beating over it," Akram said on a post-match show. 'Dressing Room'.

ALSO READ: Big News: Delhi Capitals hire 2-time World Cup-winning coach for top role in bold move ahead of IPL 2025

ALSO READ: KL Rahul reveals one Indian bowler he hates facing in the nets, discloses name of player who intimidated him when he started off

The pace great with 502 ODI wickets to his name, also launched a full blown attack on Pakistan's bowling attack. He expressed deep concern over their recent bowling average, which he described as alarmingly poor. Akram asserted that the team's bowling performance in the last five matches was so inadequate that it was worse than the averages achieved by the national teams of Oman and the USA. This comparison underscored the severity of his disappointment and the perceived decline in the bowlers' effectiveness.

"Enough is enough. You have made them the stars. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to get 24 wickets at an average of 60. That is 60 runs per wicket. Our average is even poor than Oman and USA. In 14 teams who are playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is second worst," Akram further added.

Akram stressed on the need for accountability within the Pakistan cricket hierarchy. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief to take immediate action by summoning the selection committee and the team captain. Akram feels stern questions should be asked regarding the squad selection process for the Champions Trophy.

ALSO READ: Two-time World Cup winner announces retirement from English cricket amidst Champions Trophy, reveals his last tournament

"Chairman saab pls call captain, selection committee and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made. Khusdil Shah and Salam Agha did they ever looked like taking wickets? I am literally shouting for weeks that this squad is not good but chairman said they have assembled the best squad," he conluded.

Reportedly, Pakistan team is set to undergo a massive shake up after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. PCB is waiting for the tournament to get over to take strict calls following Pakistan's Champions Trophy debacle.