Published: Feb 26, 2025, 10:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 26, 2025, 10:00 AM (IST)
Following their defeat against India on Sunday in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan were knocked out of the tournament as New Zealand beat Bangladesh on Monday.
India and New Zealand are the 2 teams that have secured qualification to the semi-finals with two wins out of two matches while Bangladesh and Pakistan have been eliminated from the tournament with consecutive losses.
After their loss to India, legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram lashed out at the Men in Green for one of their acts during the clash against their arch-rivals.
“I think it was the first or second drinks break, and there was a plate full of bananas for the players. Itne kele toh bandar bhi nahi khaate (Even monkeys don’t eat so many bananas). And it’s their food. Had it been our captain Imran Khan, he would have given me a beating over it,” Akram said on a post-match show.
Akram also accused the Pakistan team of playing ‘archaic cricket’ despite the speed of the game changing drastically especially in the past few years.
“Drastic steps needed. We are playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages. This needs to change. Bring fearless cricketers, young blood into the team. If you have to make five-six changes. Please make it,” Akram said.
“You keep losing for next six months. Its fine but start building team for World T20 2026 from now onwards,” Akram added.
Akram also heavily criticized Pakistan’s bowling attack for their repeated failures at the international stage.
“Enough is enough. You have made them the stars. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to get 24 wickets at an average of 60. That is 60 runs per wicket,” Akram said.
“Our average is even poor than Oman and USA. In 14 teams who are playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is second worst,” Akram added.
