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Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked intense debates among cricket fans and former players. The Men in Green failed to register a single victory in their home tournament, with their final match against Bangladesh ending in a washout. Their dismal performance, including a crushing defeat against arch-rivals India, has led to widespread criticism.
One of the most outspoken critics has been Wasim Akram, the legendary former captain and fast bowler, who has demanded a complete overhaul of Pakistan’s white-ball team. Speaking on Pakistan’s TV show Dressing Room, Akram insisted that Pakistan must take bold steps by dropping underperforming senior players and introducing fresh, fearless cricketers in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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Wasim Akram’s Call for a Rebuild
Frustrated by Pakistan’s continued failures in white-ball cricket, Akram did not hold back:
“Enough is enough. We have been losing in white-ball cricket with these same players for years. It’s time for a bold step. As Waqar Younis also said, we need young, fearless cricketers in white-ball cricket. Even if we have to make 5-6 big changes, do that. Lose for the next six months, but back those players. Start preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup now.”
Akram’s remarks suggested that Pakistan must revamp their squad immediately, even if it means suffering short-term losses. However, his comments did not sit well with Shahid Afridi, another former Pakistan captain.
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Shahid Afridi Questions Akram’s Approach
Afridi, while agreeing that emotions can run high after a loss, challenged Akram’s drastic stance, questioning whether Pakistan had enough quality replacements available to make such sweeping changes. Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi said:
“I was listening to Wasim bhai that day. Yes, we all got carried away by emotions after the loss to India. He said that 6-7 players need to be dropped from the side. Wasim bhai, I just have one question for you. Do you have 6-7 players on the bench who can replace them? Do you have players of that standard in domestic cricket? Have we groomed them in academies?”
Afridi pointed out that dropping senior players without having strong backups could be counterproductive. He also noted that if Pakistan did introduce a new-look squad, the same critics calling for change would likely complain again if results did not improve immediately.
“We may drop the players, but who will we bring in? Even if we do that, people will start crying about it again. The PCB will say they are preparing for the World Cup, and then once it ends, the surgery will begin again.”
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What’s Next for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s disastrous Champions Trophy campaign has exposed several weaknesses in their squad, raising valid concerns about their lack of consistency and match-winning mentality. With no wins in the tournament, the pressure is mounting on Mohammad Rizwan’s team to turn things around.
Their next assignment is an away T20I series against New Zealand, starting on March 16, 2025. All eyes will be on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to see if they stick with the current players or make bold changes ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup preparations.
