Pakistan currently finds itself in a precarious position as it awaits its fate in the 2025 Champions Trophy. For the third consecutive time in an ICC ODI tournament, the former world champions are on the brink of elimination from the group stage. They finished fifth in both of the previous World Cup editions, thereby missing out on the knockout rounds. In the ongoing Champions Trophy, where they are both the defending champions and the host nation, Pakistan has effectively been rendered nearly eliminated after suffering defeats in their first two matches. This disappointing outcome has incited strong reactions from cricket legends Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, who have criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selection committee.

During a discussion on Sports Central following Pakistan's loss to India in Dubai on Sunday, Akram expressed that fans are weary of empty promises and the expectation of positive results, advocating for "drastic change." He urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold the selection committee accountable for their choices regarding the Champions Trophy squad and called for the management to begin identifying new talent and preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup immediately.

"We require significant changes. Enough is enough! We have been experiencing losses with the same players in white-ball cricket for years. It is time to take decisive action and introduce young players who exhibit fearless cricket. If substantial changes are necessary, then proceed with them. Provide the new players with six months of support and start preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have reached our limit. You have given these players opportunities and elevated them to stardom. Pakistan's bowlers have taken 24 wickets in the last five matches, but their average stands at 60. Alarmingly, Pakistan's bowling average ranks as the second worst among 14 teams, including Oman and the USA, that have participated in ODI cricket this year. What should be our next steps? The Chairman must return home, convene with the captain, coach, and selection committee, and inquire about the rationale behind their selections. Did it seem plausible that Khusdil Shah and Salman Agha could dismiss any Indian batsman? We are voicing our concerns, asserting that the squad is inadequate."

'This is just brainless and clueless management'

Akhtar expressed similar sentiments as he criticized the team's selection, describing the Pakistani management as 'brainless and clueless.' He suggested that the players entered the tournament without a clear sense of direction, lacking the skill sets comparable to those of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

"I am not at all disappointed by the defeat to India because I anticipated this outcome. Selecting five bowlers is misguided; the global trend is to utilize six bowlers. Opting for two all-rounders reflects a lack of strategic thinking. I am genuinely disheartened," Akhtar stated in a heartfelt video shared on his X account. "We cannot place the blame solely on the young players; they mirror the confusion of the team management. They lack direction and the necessary skills akin to Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither the players nor the management possess the requisite knowledge. They have approached the game without a definitive plan, leaving everyone uncertain about their roles."

Read Also: Cummins Makes Bold Statement on Border-Gavaskar Trophy: "Ashes Still More Significant than IND vs AUS"

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