‘Enough is enough,' Wasim Akram brutally hammers Pakistan team after loss to India

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has strongly criticized the national team after their six-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, left Akram frustrated with Pakistan’s poor strategies and outdated style of play.  

Akram believes the team needs a fresh start and has urged selectors to bring in fearless young players to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

Speaking on a sports show Akram did not hold back in his assessment of Pakistan’s cricketing struggles.  

"Enough is enough. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages. We have lost by wide margins over the last couple of years. Now it is time to take bold steps," he said.  

He called for major changes in the team, even if it means losing matches for the next six months.  

"What would that be? Bring fearless cricketers, young blood, into the white-ball format. If you have to make five or six changes, please do so. You keep losing for the next six months. It's fine, but start building a team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now onwards."  

Akram highlighted Pakistan’s struggling bowling attack, pointing out that in the last five ODIs, they have taken just 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket. He noted that Pakistan’s bowling average is the second-worst among 14 international teams, including associate nations like Oman and the USA.  

He also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and selectors for sticking with underperforming players.  

The former captain criticized PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for not questioning the team’s selection process. He believes head coach Aaqib Javed, captain Mohammad Rizwan, and the selectors should be held accountable.  

Akram specifically targeted Rizwan’s leadership, saying that if he cannot identify match-winners, the team will continue to struggle.  

"I have been literally shouting for weeks that this squad is not good, but the chairman said they have assembled the best squad. A day before the Champions Trophy, they had a meeting for an hour, but they came out with the same squad. Even the captain (Rizwan) is to blame. He is the leader of the ship and if he doesn’t know what kind of match-winner he needs, it’s getting embarrassing now."  

He also questioned the selection of players like Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, who have not contributed significantly in recent matches.  

Akram also spoke about the frustration among Pakistan’s fans, revealing that many left the stadium early when India was batting.  

"You should have seen the faces of Pakistan fans who were at the stadium. They left the venue after 15 overs when Pakistan was bowling against India. I have never seen anything like that in my life. It’s unfortunate. We, as a nation, are very passionate. But it’s frustrating."  

Pakistan is now on the brink of elimination from the Champions Trophy and will need a strong performance in their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.