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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back his disappointment following Pakistan’s crushing defeat against India in their Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
In a video posted on social media platform ‘X’, Akhtar criticized Pakistan’s lack of planning, poor team selection, and flawed strategy, calling the team management “brainless.”
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Akhtar’s Brutal Take on Pakistan’s Performance
💬 Lack of a Proper Bowling Attack:
“I am not disappointed because I already knew what was going to happen. When you don’t select a fifth bowler, this is bound to happen. The world is playing with six bowlers, and you can’t even pick five! You take two all-rounders—I don’t know what you’re thinking,” Akhtar ranted.
💬 Criticism of Team Management:
“It’s just brainless and cruel management. I am really disappointed. What can we even say about the players? The management is like this, so the players are the same. They have no clue what they are supposed to do,” he added.
💬 Comparison With Indian Batters:
“Intent is one thing, but they don’t even understand their skillset. Do you think they can play lofted shots like Virat or Shubman? Really disappointing. Neither do they understand anything, nor does the management. They just went there to play,” Akhtar fumed.
Virat Kohli’s Heroics Earn Akhtar’s Praise
While Pakistan crumbled, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion with a match-winning century. Akhtar, despite his criticism of Pakistan, lauded the Indian superstar for his consistency and achievements.
👏 Akhtar on Kohli’s Brilliance:
“Hats off to Virat Kohli—he is a superstar, a white-ball run chaser, a modern-day great. There is no doubt about it. And I am really happy for him. He is an honest guy. He has also completed 14,000 runs. This guy has achieved it all, and he deserves all the praise.”
Match Recap: India Dominate Pakistan
- Pakistan Innings:
- Pakistan struggled to 241 all out in the final over.
- Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46.
- Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar Azam for 23, while Imam-ul-Haq was run out by Axar Patel.
- India’s Chase:
- Virat Kohli (100 off 111 balls)* anchored the chase alongside Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67 balls).
- India chased 242 with six wickets in hand and 45 balls to spare.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s defeat against India was their second consecutive loss in the tournament after suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.
Next Match:
📅 Pakistan vs Bangladesh 🏟️ Rawalpindi 📍 February 27
With their Champions Trophy campaign hanging by a thread, Pakistan will need a strong performance to stay alive in the tournament.
