'Babar Azam is a fraud': Shoaib Akhtar after CT loss
What's the story
Former cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, has stirred controversy by calling ex-Pakistan captain Babar Azam a "fraud."
The scathing attack came after Pakistan's six-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy.
Akhtar, on the show "Game On Hai," said, "We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me who is hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar and he has scored 100 centuries and Virat is chasing his legacy."
Hero debate
Akhtar questions Babar's choice of cricketing hero
Akhtar further questioned Babar's choice of cricketing hero, without naming any player. He said, "Who is Babar Azam's hero? Tuk tuk."
The former fast bowler continued his tirade by saying fans have chosen the wrong heroes and their thought process is flawed.
He also said he doesn't want to talk about the Pakistani cricket team, but he does so because he is being paid for it.
Management critique
Akhtar criticizes Pakistan's cricket management
Akhtar also slammed Pakistan's cricket management after their defeat against India.
He vented his anger in an emotional video, saying he wasn't surprised by the defeat because he knew what would happen.
"You can't select five bowlers, the whole world is playing six bowlers... you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management," Akhtar said.
Kohli praise
Akhtar lauds Kohli's performance in Champions Trophy
Despite his criticism of the Pakistani team, Akhtar had words of praise for India's Virat Kohli.
He praised Kohli's unbeaten century in the match against Pakistan, saying "When you tell Virat Kohli that he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he's like a superstar! He's a white ball run chaser! Modern-day great!"
Match
Hosts Pakistan lose to India in Champions Trophy
India hammered Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Men in Blue successfully chased down 242 after they bowled out Pakistan. India's win was powered by ton-up Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.
Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya shared five wickets to derail Pakistan, who were under the scanner for their scoring rate.
India now have three wins against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.