Shoaib Akhtar didn't hold back and criticized the Pakistan batters for failing to meet expectations in key matches on the big stage. The heavy six-wicket loss to their rivals India has once again put the Pakistan team under scrutiny for their lackluster performances in ICC events over the years. Players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi fell short during the crucial game against India, leaving the team on the brink of elimination from the tournament.

In recent years, Babar, Rizwan, and Khushdil have been labeled as promising talents who could elevate Pakistan cricket. However, Akhtar took aim at the so-called 'talent' associated with these players.

“Which talent? What talent are we talking about?” Akhtar expressed on Career TV's YouTube channel.

The former fast bowler compared the Pakistan batsmen unfavorably to Indian stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer.

“Can you really compare Babar to Virat Kohli? Iyer to Khushdil Shah? Rohit Sharma to Fakhar Zaman? Which Rizwan are we calling talented? Talent needs to be shown. It’s not just about talk; you have to perform," he stated.

Babar, often compared to Kohli by some fans, managed only 23 runs off 26 balls against India, marking his team's second straight loss in the Champions Trophy.

Akhtar emphasized the importance of players proving their talent on the big stage to become match-winners.

“No one becomes a star in the shadows; you need to take wickets and score runs. I've been hearing about talent for the last decade, and if there was real talent, it would be evident,” he concluded.

"Pakistan’s talent is impressive, but the planning leaves a lot to be desired"

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez pointed out that while the Pakistan team has plenty of talent, their planning has been lacking. He criticized the selectors for not choosing the right squad for the Champions Trophy conditions.

"Pakistan has the talent, but the planning is really off. We’re missing a quality opener and extra spinners by choice. For the last nine or ten years, we’ve been dominant at home, so we should know what works here in Dubai. We don’t have a second spinner; instead, we’re relying on a mystery spinner who doesn’t really turn the ball much. A mystery spinner isn’t effective by default. We lack proper finger and wrist spinners, and the ones we do have aren’t regulars," he mentioned during the discussion.

Read Also: Virat Kohli's Candid Admission After Historic Ton Against Pakistan

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