“Still Hasn’t Learned How To…”: Wasim Akram’s Blunt Criticism of Pakistan Pacer Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan cricket team had a disastrous outing in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, as the Mohammad Rizwan-led side was eliminated from the semi-finals race after just two matches. Pakistan lost both of their opening games against New Zealand and India, leading to their early exit. The team faced significant criticism, with both experts and fans slamming the players for their poor form. Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram was particularly critical of Shaheen Afridi, blasting him for his inconsistent performances. Shaheen managed to take just two wickets in the first two matches of the tournament.

“He hasn’t learned how to bowl outswing on a consistent basis. He has only two types of deliveries. Either he will bowl a yorker or keep it straight. The world knows about his bowling now, and the batters are prepared to take him on. He doesn’t know how to take the ball away from the batter,” Wasim Akram said, according to GeoSuper.tv.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez also targeted the pace trio of Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. He pointed out that the three fast bowlers have struggled in major competitions, and their lack of form has affected the national team’s performances.

“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.

“It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan. Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity,” he added.