Pakistan Chose the Wrong Cricket Hero: Shoaib Akhtar on Babar Azam

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan cricket team following their disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals has led to widespread criticism from fans and former players, who are expressing their frustration over the team's poor performance.

Akhtar, in particular, directed his criticism at captain Babar Azam. He accused Babar of being a "fraud" and claimed that Pakistanis had chosen the wrong person as their hero.

"We often compare Babar Azam with Virat Kohli, but that is a mistake. Kohli idolized Sachin Tendulkar and rose to great heights. Babar, on the other hand, does not have a cricketing role model. His defensive playing style is deceiving the nation," Akhtar said on the sports show ''Game On Hai''.

He further questioned Babar’s leadership and compared him to Kohli, emphasizing the difference in their cricketing inspirations. "Tell me, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? Sachin Tendulkar. He scored 100 centuries, and Virat is following his legacy. Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk Tuk (without naming a specific player). You have chosen your heroes incorrectly. Your way of thinking is wrong."

Akhtar went on to express his frustration with Pakistan cricket as a whole. "You have trusted a fraud from the beginning. I don’t even like talking about Pakistan cricket anymore; it’s a waste of time. I have been witnessing its decline since 2001. I have worked with many captains, and their personalities changed three times a day," he remarked.

His remarks have further fueled the ongoing debate over Babar Azam's leadership and Pakistan’s overall cricketing strategy.