Champions Trophy: Wasim Akram’s blunt reaction to Pakistan’s loss leaves fans stunned

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign began on a disappointing note as they suffered a comprehensive 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener on Wednesday. Playing at home, Pakistan failed to capitalize on familiar conditions, raising concerns ahead of their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals India.

Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 281 for 8, with key contributions from Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips. Despite some breakthroughs from the Pakistani bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, the visitors managed to set a competitive target.

In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered, collapsing to 221 all out. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam showed promise but could not build on their starts, while the middle order crumbled under pressure. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, proved too much for the hosts, who struggled to maintain momentum throughout the innings.

The defeat marked Pakistan’s third consecutive loss to New Zealand in two weeks, following setbacks in the recent tri-series. The recurring issues in the batting approach have sparked criticism from fans and experts alike, with legendary former captain Wasim Akram delivering a “brutally honest” assessment of the team’s performance.

Speaking to a sports channel, Akram highlighted Pakistan’s lack of intent and poor shot selection, emphasizing that the team must improve quickly if they hope to progress in the tournament. “This was a wake-up call. The batting lacked purpose, and the middle order has to step up. If we continue like this, the match against India will be even tougher,” he stated.

Akram also pointed out that the bowlers, despite their efforts, needed better support from the fielders. He stressed the importance of correcting these flaws before the high-stakes game against India, which could determine Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

With their next match scheduled against India, Pakistan’s team management faces the challenge of boosting morale and addressing the glaring issues that led to the defeat.