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Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in disaster, with the Men in Green crashing out of the tournament after back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India. The team’s poor performance has drawn sharp criticism from fans and former players, with legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram being one of the most vocal critics.
After Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat to India in Dubai, Akram expressed his frustration over multiple issues, including the players’ diet, bowling form, and squad selection.
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“Even Monkeys Don’t Eat This Many Bananas”: Akram’s Dig at Pakistan’s Diet
Speaking on a post-match analysis show Dressing Room, Akram was left stunned when he saw a plate full of bananas being brought out for players during a drinks break. The former Pakistan captain did not hold back in mocking the team’s dietary habits.
“I think it was the second or third drinks break, and I saw a plate full of bananas coming out for players to eat. Itne kele bandar bhi nahi khaate! (Even monkeys don’t eat this many bananas!). And this is their diet? Had it been our captain Imran Khan, he would have given me a beating over it,” Akram fumed.
The comment went viral on social media, with many fans echoing Akram’s concerns about the fitness and nutrition choices of Pakistan’s players.
“Pakistan’s Bowling Average Is Worse Than Oman and USA”
While Akram’s frustration over Pakistan’s diet made headlines, his harshest criticism was directed at Pakistan’s bowling attack, which has failed to deliver in recent months.
The legendary left-arm pacer pointed out that Pakistan’s bowling average in the last five ODIs is among the worst in international cricket, even falling behind Oman and the USA—teams not considered traditional powerhouses in the format.
“Enough is enough! You have made them the stars, but let’s talk facts. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to take only 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket. That is shocking! Out of the 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst,” Akram slammed.
With bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. in the squad, Pakistan was expected to have a strong bowling attack. However, the numbers show a different reality, exposing their struggles in taking wickets and controlling the game.
“Chairman Saab, Ask the Captain & Selectors Tough Questions!”
Akram also turned his attention toward the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), calling on the PCB chairman to demand accountability from the selection committee, coaching staff, and captain Babar Azam for assembling a squad that failed to compete.
“Chairman saab, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach, and ask them: What kind of squad have you selected? Did you ever think that Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha could take wickets? I have been shouting for weeks that this squad is not good enough, but the chairman insisted that this was the best team available,” Akram added.
Pakistan’s squad selection had already raised eyebrows before the tournament, with experienced players like Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman missing out, while Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, and Usama Mir were included. Their performances in the tournament did little to justify the selections, further fueling the criticism.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With Pakistan now out of the Champions Trophy 2025, there will be serious discussions about the future of Babar Azam’s captaincy, the team’s selection strategy, and the overall fitness and discipline of the squad.
Wasim Akram’s comments, while brutal, reflect the disappointment of millions of Pakistan fans who expected a better performance from their team. Whether PCB takes action or continues with the same setup remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—Pakistan cricket is once again at a crossroads.
