Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked strong reactions from fans and former cricketers. The team’s disappointing performance, culminating in a heavy defeat to arch-rivals India, has led to widespread criticism and calls for significant changes.
### Wasim Akram Criticizes Pakistan Team
Former skipper and bowling legend Wasim Akram did not hold back in his criticism of Mohammad Rizwan’s team. Speaking on Pakistan’s TV show “Dressing Room,” Akram demanded a complete overhaul of the squad. He recommended dropping underperforming players and bringing in fresh talent to prepare for the next T20 World Cup.
“Enough is enough. We are losing in white-ball cricket with these players for a couple of years now. It’s time to take bold steps. As Waqar Younis suggested, bring in young, fearless cricketers for white-ball cricket. Even if you have to make 5-6 big changes, do that. Lose for the next six months but support those players. Start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now,” Akram stated.
### Shahid Afridi Responds
In response, former captain Shahid Afridi acknowledged the emotional reaction to the defeat against India but disagreed with Akram’s approach of benching several key players. Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi questioned the availability of suitable replacements within domestic cricket.
“I was listening to Wasim bhai. Yes, we all got carried away by emotions after the loss to India. He said that 6-7 players need to be dropped from the side. Wasim bhai, I just have one question for you. Do you have 6-7 players on the bench who can replace them? Do we have players of that standard in domestic cricket? Have we groomed them in the academies?” Afridi asked.
Afridi further expressed concerns about the potential backlash from fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if such drastic changes were made without a proper plan. “We may drop the players, but who will we bring in? Even if we do that, people will start crying about it again. The PCB will say that we are preparing for the World Cup, and once it starts, the criticism will begin again.”
### Pakistan’s Poor Outing
Pakistan had a challenging campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025, failing to secure a single win in the league stage and finishing at the bottom of the table. The team’s early elimination has intensified discussions about the need for strategic changes and the future direction of Pakistan cricket.
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