ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s recent six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has ignited a firestorm of criticism from former Pakistani cricketers, who have not minced words in expressing their disappointment and frustration.
The loss, which has displaced Pakistan from the tournament, has led these veterans to call for important changes in team management, player selection, and overall strategy.
On leadership and merit
Former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has been vocal about the leadership structure within Pakistan cricket. He questioned the meritocracy of the team, stating, “How can a team be on merit if the chairman himself is not?”
This pointed remark suggests a deep-seated concern about the administrative decisions affecting team performance.
Call for overhaul
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the current squad. He emphasised the need for immediate action, stating, “Enough is enough. Now it is time to take drastic steps. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages.”
Akram advocates for the inclusion of young, fearless cricketers in the white-ball format, even if it means enduring losses in the short term. He suggests making “5-6 changes to the team” to start building for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Akram also criticised the bowling unit’s recent performances, highlighting a concerning statistic: “In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to get 24 wickets at an average of 60. That is 60 runs per wicket.”
He further lamented, “Of 14 teams including Oman and USA who played international cricket this year, Pakistan has the second-lowest bowling average in the list.”
On player performance
Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez drew comparisons between Pakistani and Indian batting stalwarts, remarking, “Babar Azam is not the true king; it is Virat Kohli.”
This comment underscores the perceived gap in performance levels between the two leading batsmen.
Hafeez also pointed out the underperformance of Pakistan’s pace trio, stating, “The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to perform.”
Pace legend Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back in his criticism, describing Pakistan’s team management as “brainless and clueless.”
He expressed his frustration by saying, “I would not even talk about Pakistan cricket if I was not getting paid.” Akhtar’s comments reflect his deep disappointment with the team’s strategic direction and on-field execution.
“Strategic missteps”
Former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja criticised the team’s lack of strategic foresight, particularly in their selection choices. He stated, “You are not going to win a tournament in the subcontinent with one spinner. They knew what the conditions were going to be like, and they have not picked the right team. Pakistan have just been pedestrian today.”
Raja’s remarks highlight the team’s failure to adapt to subcontinental playing conditions, which are typically spin-friendly.
Aamir Sohail, another former cricketer, echoed these sentiments, criticising Pakistan’s consistent batting failures and lack of effective strategic planning. He emphasised the need for a more proactive approach to both team selection and game strategy to reverse the current downward trajectory.
Calls for structural reforms
The collective outcry from these cricketing veterans underscores a pressing need for structural reforms within Pakistan’s cricketing framework. The criticisms point towards issues such as outdated playing styles, questionable selection policies, and inadequate leadership at both administrative and team levels.
In response to these critiques, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces mounting pressure to reassess its strategies and make necessary adjustments. The upcoming period will be important for Pakistan cricket, as it seeks to rebuild and realign itself with modern, competitive standards in the international arena.
In short, the aftermath of the loss to India has catalysed intense scrutiny and calls for change from some of Pakistan’s most respected cricketing figures. Their insights and recommendations may well serve as a roadmap for the necessary evolution of Pakistan cricket in the coming years.
