Shoaib Akhtar Slams Babar Azam on Live TV; Mohammad Hafeez Urges PCB to Drop Pakistan Captain

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has gone from bad to worse, and the latest loss to India in Dubai has sparked massive controversy. In a brutal critique on live television, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar called Babar Azam a “fraud”, while veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez urged the PCB to drop the struggling captain.

With Pakistan on the verge of elimination, questions are being raised about Babar Azam’s leadership, his performances in big matches, and whether he deserves to continue as the team’s key player.

Shoaib Akhtar’s Scathing Attack: ‘Babar Azam is a Fraud’

Speaking on ‘Game On Hai’, Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back when analyzing Babar’s performance in Pakistan’s six-wicket loss to India. He criticized Babar’s lack of match-winning performances, calling out his inability to step up in high-pressure games.

“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me, who is the hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar has scored 100 centuries, and Virat is chasing his legacy.”

“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (Without naming any cricketer). You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning.”

Akhtar’s frustration reflects the sentiments of many Pakistan fans who have watched their team struggle repeatedly in ICC tournaments.

Mohammad Hafeez Questions Babar’s Big-Match Performances

Echoing Akhtar’s criticism, former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez questioned Babar Azam’s credentials in crucial matches. Hafeez pointed out that while Babar is a talented player, he has never single-handedly won a series in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) or delivered a match-winning performance against India.

“Babar Azam is not the true king. It is Virat Kohli. Look at his performances. He has dominated all over the world. Get out of your PR machinery. We need a performer.”

Hafeez further compared Babar Azam to past Pakistan legends:

“Tell me, Babar Azam, the best Pakistani product that has come in the past 10 years—tell me his one good performance against India. Babar Azam is not Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzi Bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in difficult conditions. Babar Azam has not won a single match against India to date.”

With Pakistan staring at an early exit, Hafeez suggested that the PCB should move on from Babar Azam and invest in new talent.

Babar Azam’s Champions Trophy 2025 Performance: A Closer Look

Match 1 vs New Zealand: 52 runs (Slow Strike Rate) – Pakistan lost

Match 2 vs India: 23 runs off 26 balls – Pakistan lost

Despite Babar’s early promise in international cricket, his lack of impactful performances in ICC tournaments is fueling growing criticism.

Should Pakistan Drop Babar Azam? What Next for the PCB?

With Pakistan’s semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, there are serious concerns over Babar Azam’s leadership and ability to handle high-pressure situations. If Pakistan fails to qualify, major changes in the team and leadership could be inevitable.

Does Pakistan need a new captain?

Should PCB start grooming a young leader like Shaheen Afridi or Mohammad Rizwan?

Can Babar Azam regain his lost form and prove his critics wrong?

What do you think? Should Babar Azam be dropped from Pakistan’s squad? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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