Shoaib Akhtar called Babar Azam a “fraud.” He criticized Babar for choosing the “wrong heroes.” Akhtar compared him to Virat Kohli, who idolizes Sachin Tendulkar.
Highlights:
- Shoaib Akhtar was very disappointed with Pakistan’s poor performance against India in Dubai.
- Akhtar believes Babar Azam’s mindset and strategy are flawed.
- Akhtar hailed Virat Kohli as a ‘modern-day great’ after his 51st ODI century.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was disheartened by Pakistan’s poor performance against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan lost by six wickets with 45 balls remaining. Akhtar criticized Babar Azam for choosing the wrong role model and questioned his mindset. Akhtar was so disappointed that he said he does not want to talk about the team and is only doing it for money.
“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar. He has scored 100 centuries, and Virat is chasing his legacy,” Akhtar said on the show Game On Hai.
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (no mention of the cricketer he is referring to),” Akhtar said.
“You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning,” Akhtar said.
“Akhtar said he does not want to talk about the Pakistan team and is only doing it because he is getting paid.
Akhtar remembered his playing days and said he has seen the decline of Pakistan cricket.
Akhtar said it is a waste of time. He has seen the decline since 2001. He claimed some captains changed their personalities three times a day.
Akhtar in awe of ‘superstar’ Kohli
Akhtar praised Kohli. Kohli scored his 51st ODI ton. He stayed not out. India won in 43 overs.
Akhtar praised Kohli. He said Kohli always scores against Pakistan. He called Kohli a superstar and a great run chaser. Akhtar was happy for him and said he deserves praise.
