Shoaib Akhtar labels Babar Azam 'fraud' following Champions Trophy exit

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back in his criticism of Babar Azam after Pakistan's defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash on Sunday, labeling the star batter a "fraud."

Babar Azam and India's Virat Kohli are often compared in the cricket world due to their similar batting styles, but Akhtar sharply dismissed these comparisons between the two players. 

On a television show, Akhtar questioned Babar’s choice of role models, pointing out the difference in the inspirations behind Kohli's career.

“We often hear comparisons between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. But let me ask you, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? It’s Sachin Tendulkar, a man with 100 international centuries, and Kohli is chasing that legacy,” Akhtar remarked.

Akhtar then criticized Babar Azam's mindset, implying that his influences were not appropriate for someone in his position. 

“Who is Babar Azam’s role model? Let’s not name any cricketer but you’ve chosen the wrong role models. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning,” he added.

Babar Azam, already under heavy scrutiny, had a disappointing performance in the match against India. He scored only 23 runs off 26 balls, hitting five boundaries before being dismissed cheaply. 

Pakistan set a modest target of 241 runs, which India comfortably chased down in 42.3 overs, winning by six wickets.

Meanwhile, Akhtar praised Virat Kohli for his outstanding performance, as the Indian star scored a match-winning century against Pakistan. 

“When Virat Kohli plays against Pakistan, you just know he’s going to get a hundred. He’s a modern-day legend, a white-ball run machine! There’s no debate about his greatness. I’m genuinely happy for him—he deserves all the accolades he gets,” Akhtar concluded.