Wasim Akram Criticizes Mahmudullah: “Looks Like He’s On Vacation”

Bangladesh’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been underwhelming, as they were outclassed in their first two matches, losing to India and New Zealand, and ultimately crashing out of the tournament. After suffering a 6-wicket defeat to India and a 5-wicket loss to New Zealand, Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram did not hold back in his criticism of Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah.

In the match against New Zealand, Mahmudullah managed to score just four runs from 14 deliveries before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell, with Will O’Rourke taking the catch. Additionally, Mahmudullah dropped a simple catch at mid-on, giving Rachin Ravindra a reprieve when the Kiwi batter was on 105 and had already reached his century.

“That was a sitter! Mahmudullah lagda hai chhuti de aaya hai (Mahmudullah looks like he has come here on vacation). Na batting ho rahi, na bowling (He’s unable to bat or bowl),” Akram remarked.

The 39-year-old Mahmudullah did manage a run-out, catching Tom Latham short of the crease, but this had little impact on the match’s outcome. Akram emphasized that this tournament should be seen as a learning curve for Bangladesh cricket, suggesting that the team should prepare younger players for white-ball cricket while allowing veterans like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, who are 39 and 37 years old respectively, to focus on red-ball cricket.

“White-ball cricket is about fearlessness. This is what Bangladesh needs to think about, preparing a team for next year’s T20 World Cup,” Akram added.

Despite his criticism, Akram praised Nahid Rana, who dismissed Kane Williamson. “I saw Rana bowling for the first time. Look at the ball he bowled to Williamson… look at the pace, the carry, the swing of the delivery. Zabardast! I like the celebration too. Hardly any. Sometimes youngsters go overboard with their celebrations,” Akram said.

For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!