Pakistan cricket fans were left disappointed after their team’s defeat against India in the Champions Trophy 2025. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar strongly criticized Babar Azam and the Pakistan team for their poor performance.
- Shoaib Akhtar called Babar Azam a “fraud” after Pakistan’s loss.
- He questioned Babar’s approach and choice of cricketing inspiration.
- India dominated the chase with Virat Kohli achieving a major milestone.
- Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals now depend on other match results.
Shoaib Akhtar Blasts Babar Azam
In the post-match discussion on Game On Hai, Shoaib Akhtar openly criticized Babar Azam. He pointed out that Babar lacks a proper role model and compared him unfavorably to Virat Kohli. Akhtar emphasized that Kohli follows Sachin Tendulkar, who has 100 centuries, while Babar lacks such inspiration.
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk. You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong.” – Shoaib Akhtar
Akhtar was so frustrated that he stated he wouldn’t even discuss Pakistan cricket if he wasn’t being paid for it.
Pakistan’s Poor Batting Performance
Pakistan batted first and scored 241 runs. Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel made valuable contributions, but Babar Azam failed to perform, scoring only 23 runs off 26 balls. The batting lineup struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
India’s Dominant Chase
India’s chase was led by a powerful start from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a milestone knock. He became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
Pakistan’s Semi-Final Hopes in Jeopardy
With this loss, Pakistan now faces an uphill battle to qualify for the semi-finals. Their progress depends on results from other matches in the tournament.
Comparison Between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli
India’s success highlights the importance of leadership and inspiration. While Kohli chases Tendulkar’s legacy, Babar’s approach remains under scrutiny.
Key Differences:
- Virat Kohli follows Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing legend.
- Babar Azam lacks a strong role model, affecting his mindset.
- Kohli delivers in high-pressure games; Babar struggles.
Pakistan’s Road Ahead
Pakistan must improve to stay in the tournament. Better leadership, stronger mental approach, and improved batting strategies are crucial for future success.
Possible Solutions for Pakistan:
- Stronger Leadership – Babar Azam needs to step up.
- Better Cricketing Inspiration – Following legends like Tendulkar can help.
- Batting Consistency – Key players must perform in big matches.
Shoaib Akhtar’s criticism of Babar Azam highlights deeper issues in Pakistan cricket. While India continues to thrive under Virat Kohli, Pakistan must rethink its approach. The team still has a chance to recover, but they need to act fast.
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