Ex Cricketer and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar harshly criticized Babar Azam following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, labeling Babar Azam a fraud and putting questions on his mindset. While speaking in a TV interview, Shoaib disregarded the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, Highlighting that Kohli’s influences and viewpoint on the game were vastly better. He pointed out Virat’s high regard for Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, contrasting it with what he sees as Babar’s missing inspiration.
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Shoaib said, “We frequently hear balancing between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. He said, Who is Kohli’s hero? his hero is Sachin who has scored around 100 international centuries and Virat Kohli is pursuing his legacy.” Shoaib went further about criticizing Babar’s choice of role model. He added, “Let’s not name any player, but you’ve selected the wrong mentor. Your thought process is wrong. He added Babar was a fraud from the beginning.”
Babar was stressed and scored 23 runs on 26 balls, Despite striking 5 boundaries in a critical clash. Pakistan team set a target of 241 runs for the Indian team which the Indian team chased in just 42 overs and India secured a victory of 6 wickets. The former cricketer also pays tribute to Virat Kohli, who anchored the Indian team chase with an undefeated century.
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Shoaib said, “When Kohli plays against Pakistan, you know he’s going to get a hundred. He’s a modern-day legend, a white-ball run machine. There’s no discussion about his greatness.” Pakistan team who is the defending champions, have now been terminated from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, alongside Bangladesh. Their title of Defense started with a loss to the New Zealand team, followed by a loss to India at Dubai International Stadium where Virat’s century led to his side to victory. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament will be played and end on March 9.
