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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was disheartened by Pakistan's dismal show against India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Akhtar lashed out at Pakistan cricket team as they lost by six wickets with 45 balls still remaining the contest. He bashed Babar Azam for picking the wrong role model, criticised his thought process. The Rawalpindi Express was so disappointed by Pakistan's performance that he said he does not wish to talk about the team and only doing it because he is getting paid for expressing his views.
“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me who is hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar and he has scored 100 centuries and Virat is chasing his legacy,” Akhtar said on the show “Game On Hai”.
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (no mention of cricketer he is referring to),” he said.
“You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning.
“I would not even wish to talk about Pakistan cricket team. I am only dong this because I am getting paid."
Akhtar recalled his playing days and how he has noticed the decline of Pakistan cricket.
“This is a waste of time. This deterioration I am seeing since 2001. I have worked with the captains, whose personality used to chance thrice a day," the 49-year-old said.
Akhtar in awe of 'superstar' Kohli
Meanwhile, Akhtar hailed Virat Kohli who scored his 51st ODI century. Kohli's unbeaten century took India over the line in the 43rd over.
“We have seen this in the past. When you tell Virat Kohli that he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he’s like a superstar! He’s a white ball run chaser! Modern-day great! No doubt about him. I’m very happy for him. He deserves all the praise,” Akhtar said.
Pakistan have a slim chance of qualifying for the last four. They would hope Bangladesh and India beat New Zealand. Pakistan's next match is against Bangladesh at Akhtar's homeground. If New Zealand beat Bangladesh, the match against Bangladesh will hold no significance.
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