'Drastic steps needed': Wasim Akram slams Pakistan's Champions Trophy failure
What's the story
Cricket legend Wasim Akram has expressed his disappointment over the performance of the Pakistani cricket team in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
He criticized the team's outdated approach to white-ball cricket and called for immediate changes.
"Drastic steps needed. We are playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages," Akram said on a show called "Dressing Room."
He urged for an infusion of new talent into the team, even if it means enduring losses for some time.
Team revamp
Akram calls for team overhaul ahead of World T20 2026
Akram stressed on a team overhaul, saying it's better to lose now and start preparing for World T20 2026.
"This need to change. Bring fearless cricketers, young blood into the team. If you have to make five-six changes. Please make it," he said.
He added, "You keep losing for next six months. It's fine but start building a team for World T20 2026 from now onwards."
Bowling critique
Akram criticizes Pakistan's bowling performance in ODIs
Akram also slammed Pakistan's bowling, saying they have the second-worst average in ODI cricket.
"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," he said.
He added their average is worse than Oman and USA, making it among the poorest among all teams playing ODIs.
Selection scrutiny
Akram questions selection strategy for Champions Trophy
The former cricketer also questioned the team's selection strategy for the Champions Trophy and urged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi to hold the coach, captain, and selectors accountable.
"Chairman saab pls call captain, selection committee and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made," he said.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of players like Khusdil Shah and Salman Agha.
Captaincy critique
Akram criticizes Rizwan's captaincy and team's body language
Akram didn't spare skipper Mohammad Rizwan from his criticism either, questioning his leadership skills.
"Even captain (Rizwan) is to blame. He is the leader of the ship and if he doesn't know what kind of match-winner he needs. It's getting embarrassing now," he said.
He also criticized the team's body language during India's chase of 242, saying Pakistani players looked completely out of the game when India reached the 15th or 18th over in their chase.