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'Our Strike Rates Are…' Shoaib Akhtar Subtly Targets Babar Azam After Pakistan’s Defeat

Aakash Saini

Babar Azam and Shoaib Akhtar [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @imshoaibakhtar/x]Babar Azam and Shoaib Akhtar [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @imshoaibakhtar/x]

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The Pakistan cricket team crashed to a huge 60-run defeat against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium in the opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Chasing 321 runs for a win, Pakistan folded up for just 260 in 47.2 overs, with senior man Babar Azam taking up 90 deliveries to score just 64 runs.

Shortly after the match, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his thoughts over the lack of intent demonstrated by Babar and several other Pakistani batters.

Shoaib Akhtar berates Pakistan for lack of intent

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his displeasure over Pakistan’s humiliating defeat to New Zealand in the opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Shortly after the match, Akhtar claimed that the current Pakistani line-up does not have enough impact players, and the legendary speedster also questioned the lack of intent demonstrated by the batters despite chasing a huge total.

Taking to his social media account, he said:

“I am very disappointed. Pakistan plays cricket very differently. Pakistan doesn’t have any impact players, their strike-rates are extremely low, and players can’t play at run-a-ball. We also leak runs a lot. We were playing with four bowlers, while the world plays with 6-7 bowlers including batting all-rounders.”

Regardless of the outcome, Shoaib Akhtar said that he was at least happy that Pakistan is finally hosting an ICC event after such a long time. He praised the PCB for upgrading the nation’s cricketing infrastructure, and extended his best wishes to Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistani troops for their upcoming do-or-die match against arch-rivals India.

“But I am very happy that Pakistan is hosting this tournament. The PCB upgraded its infrastructure. And now with a do-or-die situation against a strong India, I wish Pakistan the very best of luck.”

Pakistan will now go up against Team India on February 23 in their must-win Group A match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The match will be hosted by the Dubai International Stadium.