“Wake-Up Call for Pakistan: Akram, Miandad Blast ‘Clueless’ Cricket Team”

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Synopsis in Bullet Points:

• Former Pakistani cricket legends heavily criticized the national team’s “insipid” performance in the Champions Trophy loss to India.
• Babar Azam faced intense backlash for failing under pressure, with comparisons to Virat Kohli deemed “embarrassing” by analysts.
• Wasim Akram called for a team overhaul, criticizing Abrar Ahmed’s excessive celebration during a dire match situation.
• Muhammad Hafeez demanded the removal of pacers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
• Javed Miandad questioned players’ lack of passion, contrasting it with Kohli’s clutch performance.
• PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remained silent post-defeat, while ex-players urged systemic changes.
• Waqar Younis emphasized the need to nurture young talent, calling the loss a “wake-up call.”
• Moin Khan suggested former players collaborate independently to revive Pakistan cricket.
• Analysts like Omair Alavi dismissed Babar-Kohli comparisons, stating Babar “isn’t good enough” in high-stakes games.
• Players’ indifferent attitudes to criticism and repetitive failure cycles were highlighted as systemic issues.

The Pakistan cricket team’s crushing six-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy has sparked a storm of criticism from former players, who labeled the squad “insipid,” “uninspiring,” and lacking the fire to compete at the highest level. The defeat, which all but ended Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage, saw legends like Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, and Muhammad Hafeez question the team’s attitude, planning, and commitment.

At the heart of the backlash was former captain and the backbone of Pakistan batting line up, Babar Azam, who scored mear 23 runs in a very high-pressure match. His dismissal, coupled with India’s Virat Kohli scoring a match-winning century, intensified debates about Babar’s ability to perform in critical games. Cricket analyst Omair Alavi bluntly stated, “Enough of comparing Babar to Kohli. There’s no comparison. Kohli delivers when it matters; Babar doesn’t.”

Former all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez echoed this, saying, “Except for one innings, I don’t recall Babar ever stepping up against India. Those who compared him to Kohli should feel embarrassed today.”

Pakistan’s pace trio—Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah—also faced harsh criticism. Hafeez called for their immediate removal, arguing they’ve become predictable, and yes Hafeez is absolutely right, Shaheen Afridi was prefectly predictable as Shubhman Gill was stepping out and hitting him over his head as if Shaheen was a spinner. Hafeez said that “They’ve lost their edge. We need fresh blood.”

Wasim Akram, however, took issue with spinner Abrar Ahmed’s over-the-top celebration after dismissing Shubman Gill. “You’re getting hammered, and you’re acting like you’ve won the match? Where’s the awareness?”

Yes Wasimbhai, Abrar was behaving as if he has won the match…He was unaware that tiger “Virat” is still there on the crease.

Javed Miandad, known for his gritty performances in the 1990s, slammed the team’s timid body language. “Why were they so scared? The PCB provides everything—facilities, salaries, support. But where’s the pride?”

He contrasted this with Kohli’s hunger: “Great players thrive under pressure. Our guys looked defeated before the first ball.”

Miabhai, paisa to ICC ne PCB ko diya hai, 1200 Crores, ICC has paid the money to bagger PCB.

Waqar Younis, former coach, termed the loss a “reality check” and urged long-term planning. “We need to invest in youth and accept short-term failures for future success.”

Moin Khan, another ex-captain, criticized the cycle of hollow promises post-defeat. “Players don’t care about criticism anymore. A few days later, everyone moves on. We need former stars to draft a revival plan outside the PCB’s influence.”

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s silence post-match added fuel to the fire, with fans demanding accountability. Social media erupted with memes mocking the team’s “toothless” bowling and “clueless” batting.

It’s time for the management to change, Pakistan will do the same thing again, few here and there changes in the team and change the PCB chaiman, time for Mohsin Naqvi to vacat his seat of PCB chairman and concentrate on his politics.

Kohli’s unbeaten 100 served as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s shortcomings. While he anchored India’s chase with calm authority, Pakistan’s top order collapsed under minimal pressure. “Kohli plays like every match is his last. Our batters play like they’re scared to lose,” tweeted a fan.

Akram’s call for a “complete overhaul” before the 2026 T20 World Cup resonated with fans. Suggestions include dropping senior players, hiring foreign coaches, and prioritizing fitness. However, with the PCB historically resistant to change, skepticism remains.

For now, the defeat has exposed deeper issues, a lack of mental toughness, outdated strategies, and a culture where failure is normalized. As Miandad put it, “Talent isn’t enough. You need heart. And right now, that’s missing.”

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