Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar Lashes Out At Babar Azam For Being A 'Fraud' After IND Beat PAK

Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back in his criticism of Babar Azam following the Men in Green's loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy. Expressing his frustration over Babar's underwhelming performance, Akhtar labeled the Pakistan skipper a "fraud" and questioned his ability to lead from the front.

Babar, who managed just 23 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya, has been struggling with form in international cricket. Disappointed by Pakistan's lackluster performance, Akhtar strongly opposed comparisons between Babar and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that Kohli has built a lasting legacy while Babar has failed to establish himself at the highest level.

"We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me, who is the hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar, and he has scored 100 centuries while Virat is chasing his legacy," Akhtar remarked on the show Game On Hai. "Who is Babar Azam's hero? Tuk tuk (sound of defensive play)," he added, indirectly criticizing Babar's batting approach.

Akhtar further slammed Babar for choosing the wrong inspirations, suggesting that his mindset and approach to the game were flawed. "You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning. I would not even wish to talk about the Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing this because I am getting paid," he said.

While criticizing Babar, Akhtar was all praise for Virat Kohli, who played a match-winning knock, scoring his 51st ODI century to help India secure a comfortable six-wicket victory. "We have seen this in the past. When you tell Virat Kohli that he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he's like a superstar! He's a white-ball run chaser! Modern-day great! No doubt about him. I'm very happy for him. He deserves all the praise," Akhtar added.

Pakistan's loss to India marked their second consecutive defeat in the tournament, leaving their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. If New Zealand defeat Bangladesh on Monday, Babar Azam's side will officially be eliminated from the competition.