Islamabad, Feb 1: Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has never been one to shy away from expressing his views, and his recent comments on the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are no exception. In a candid interview, the legendary pacer offered a mix of praise and criticism, questioning some of the selections made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
One of the most debated inclusions was that of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, two players whose recent form has been a topic of discussion. Both have been largely absent from the national setup but were selected based on their performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Akram, however, was critical of Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion, saying, “I wish him all the best, he’s a talented cricketer, but in the past 20 matches, his bowling average is 100, and his batting average is 9.” Akram’s comments reflect concerns over the consistency and impact of these players at the international level.
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While Akram didn’t single out Khushdil Shah, he expressed doubts about prioritizing franchise cricket performances over international form. This observation sparked further debate about the balance between domestic leagues and national team selections.
Akram’s frustration didn’t stop at the inclusion of these players. He was particularly baffled by the omission of all-rounder Aamer Jamal, who had shown promise in his recent outings. Akram stated, “If you wanted to invest in somebody, it should’ve been Jamal,” expressing his surprise that the promising all-rounder was left out.
On the batting front, Akram had a more balanced view. He praised Fakhar Zaman, calling him “one of the best in the world in white-ball cricket,” but expressed surprise at the lack of a backup opening batsman in the squad. “I’m surprised there’s no other proper opener in the squad,” Akram said, pointing out a potential weakness in the lineup.
Akram also proposed a bold change to the batting order, suggesting that skipper Mohammad Rizwan should bat in the middle order while Babar Azam opens the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman. “Babar can play the anchor role at the top, and Rizwan is better suited to the middle order,” he explained, indicating a shift in the team’s batting strategy that could offer greater flexibility.
While Akram expressed relative contentment with the pace attack, which features Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain, his concerns were directed towards the spin department. With only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in the squad, Akram found the selection perplexing. “India has 3-4 spinners in their squad, and that should’ve been a telling sign for the PCB,” he noted, referencing the spin-friendly conditions anticipated for the tournament. Akram’s remark highlighted the importance of building a well-rounded squad that can perform under varied conditions.
Akram’s critique serves as a reminder of the expectations and pressure facing the Pakistan team as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy. His insights, though blunt, reflect his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s success on the international stage.
