Former stars blast Pakistan after consecutive defeats

LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket legends launched a scathing attack on the national team following their second consecutive defeat to arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with some calling for a complete overhaul of the white-ball setup.

The defeat, Pakistan’s second in as many games, has left Mohammad Rizwan’s men virtually eliminated from the eight-team tournament. Batting first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan managed only 241 runs before being dismissed in the final over. India comfortably chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, powered by a masterful century from Virat Kohli.

“In Pakistan, I think even in the present we are stuck in the 80s theory,” said former captain Waqar Younis, criticising the cautious 104-run partnership between captain Rizwan and Saud Shakeel that consumed 24 overs. “It’s 80s theory to take the game deep, if you need a run rate of 5, stretch it to 8 or 9 and leave it to the others to do it for you. This doesn’t happen.”

Shoaib Akhtar, one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, went as far as calling Babar Azam a “fraud,” while others dismissed comparisons with Kohli. “Let’s be honest, they are just not good enough. Enough of Babar Azam and comparisons with Kohli. No comparison,” said Javed Miandad, highlighting how Kohli’s century demonstrated the difference in mindset and quality between the players.

Former captain and coach Muhammad Hafeez didn’t hold back either, calling for the axing of all three pacers – Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah – and suggested that those comparing Babar with Kohli had been left embarrassed. Meanwhile, former pacer Mohammad Amir questioned Rizwan’s leadership and the selection policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Amir took issue with Rizwan’s post-match remarks that Saim Ayub’s absence had left the team unsettled.

“If that’s the case, then Australia should have just stayed home too. They’re missing Starc, Marsh, and Cummins,” Amir remarked. “As a leader, when you don’t have a Plan B, then what are you even doing with the team?”

Amir also criticised the PCB’s reliance on Pakistan Super League (PSL) performances for national team selection instead of domestic cricket achievements. “PSL should not be the criteria for national team selection. The top performers from domestic cricket should be the priority, not PSL,” he stated, questioning why T20 specialists were being selected for 50-over cricket. Former captain Moin Khan suggested a more systematic approach to addressing Pakistan cricket’s issues.