After Pakistan’s dismal performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the cricket team faced numerous changes but continued to struggle, particularly after their defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy. Wasim Akram criticized the team’s “archaic cricket,” calling for drastic changes and introducing new talent for future tournaments. He highlighted poor bowling statistics, stating Pakistan’s bowlers had an average of 60 runs per wicket, the second worst among ODI teams. Akram also addressed the selection committee and captain Mohammad Rizwan, insisting accountability and better decisions are crucial for improving the team’s fortunes.
After the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, numerous changes were made, including alterations in players, captaincy, coaching staff, selectors, and even senior management. However, the outcome remains unchanged for Mohammad Rizwan’s squad, who find themselves nearly eliminated from the semi-finals contention following a loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match on Sunday. The nature of Pakistan’s defeat has reignited longstanding concerns about the board’s cricketing operations, prompting one of the nation’s cricket legends, Wasim Akram, to express his frustration.
In his post-match analysis, Akram criticized the Pakistan team, claiming they have been playing ‘archaic cricket’ in an era marked by a significant increase in the pace of the game.
“Drastic measures are required. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball formats for far too long,” Wasim Akram stated on the “Dressing Room” show following the defeat to India in Dubai. “This situation needs to change. We need fearless cricketers and fresh talent in the team. If five or six changes are necessary, then make them.”
“You might be losing for the next six months, and that’s acceptable, but begin constructing the team for the World T20 2026 from now,” he added.
Akram pointed out alarming statistics, criticizing Pakistan’s bowling lineup for its consistent shortcomings on the global stage.
“Enough is enough. You’ve elevated them to star status. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have taken only 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket.
“Our average is worse than that of Oman and the USA. Among the 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst,” he remarked.
Akram did not hesitate to criticize the Pakistan Cricket Board, its selection committee, and even the head coach, who had promised that his team would ‘surprise’ India during the Champions Trophy match.
“Chairman, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach to inquire about the selection process they’ve undertaken.
“Did Khushdil Shah and Salam Agha ever appear to be capable of taking wickets?
“I’ve been vocally expressing for weeks that this squad is inadequate, yet the chairman insists that they have assembled the best team,” the legendary fast bowler asserted.
Furthermore, Akram did not hold back in placing some of the blame on Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, for the team’s Champions Trophy shortcomings.
“A day prior to the Champions Trophy, they held a meeting for an hour but emerged with the same squad.
“The captain (Rizwan) shares the responsibility. He is the leader of the team, and if he doesn’t recognize the match-winners needed, it’s becoming quite embarrassing.
“You should have observed the expressions of the Pakistan fans present at the stadium. They left the venue after just 15 overs while Pakistan was bowling.
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