Former players chastise Pakistan team

Stalwarts of Pakistan cricket stood united in describing the current team as insipid and uninspiring after it was outplayed by India in a Champions Trophy match in Dubai with Babar Azam drawing maximum criticism for failing in the high-pressure game. Every former Pakistan player worth his salt was critical of the team’s approach, attitude and planning, with the great Wasim Akram calling for an overhaul of the white-ball squad before the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Shoaib Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, even went to the extent of calling Azam a “fraud”. Former skipper and coach, Muhammad Hafeez called for the axing of all three pacers — Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Former captain and batting great Javed Miandad was not surprised at the result but wondered just why the players seemed under intense pressure.

“(It is) useless blaming the system, selectors and all that. Question is are these selected players short on anything? Does not the PCB take care of them? Are they not paid enough? So where is the passion and fire and professionalism to perform in big matches and tournaments,” he said.

“Truth is our players were under pressure even before the match began. Look at their body language, not one of them appeared to be in a mood to dominate Indian bowlers,” he said.

Miandad said players with pride always come good when the chips are down. He cited Virat Kohli, who got a match-winning unbeaten 100, as a prime example

of this mindset. “He came good when his team needed him to do well.”