Younis slammed the team’s approach, suggesting they were "stuck in the 80s theory"
25 February, 2025
PHOTO: X
Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis expressed his frustration with the national men's cricket team following their disappointing defeat to arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Younis slammed the team’s approach, suggesting they were "stuck in the 80s theory." He pointed to the cautious partnership between skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who added 104 runs in 24 overs, as an example of the team’s outdated mindset.
"In Pakistan, I think even today we are stuck in the 80s theory. It’s 80s thinking to take the game deep. If you need a run rate of 5, stretch it to 8 or 9 and leave it to others to do the job. This doesn’t work anymore," Younis said.
He added, “As Wasim bhai (buddy) says, there is no consistency at any level—whether it's the chairman, selectors, or coaches.”
Younis emphasized that in modern cricket, teams cannot afford to fall behind the required run rate and expect a comeback.
"Teams will not let you bounce back. You saw Australia chase 350 against England, and at no point did their required rate increase. That is the way to go. Even when Australia lost early wickets, they kept pushing, staying positive, attacking, and looking for runs," he explained.
Batting first, Pakistan, the hosts and defending champions, could only manage 241 runs before being bowled out in the final over. In response, India chased down the target comfortably, losing four wickets with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant century by Virat Kohli.
The defeat marked Pakistan's second loss in as many games, putting them on an early exit from the eight-team tournament.
