Pakistan’s dismal run in the Champions Trophy has left fans and cricketing legends frustrated, with legendary pacer Wasim Akram being one of the most vocal critics. Following their crushing defeat against India, Akram lambasted the team’s diet and performance, particularly highlighting their poor bowling statistics and questionable fitness levels. His sharp criticism, mixed with humor and deep concern, has reignited discussions about Pakistan’s declining standards in international cricket.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Disaster
Hosting the Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, Pakistan had a nightmare campaign, crashing out in the group stage after successive defeats against New Zealand and India. Their fate was sealed after New Zealand outclassed Bangladesh, eliminating any slim chances of a semi-final berth for Babar Azam’s team. The disappointing performance has put Pakistan’s players, including senior stars like Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, under heavy scrutiny.
Banana Diet Sparks Akram’s Fury
One of the most bizarre and talked-about moments of the tournament came during Pakistan’s match against India when a plate full of bananas was brought out during a drinks break. Akram, who was on a post-match show, could not hide his shock at the scene.
“I think it was the second or third drinks break, and I saw a plate full of bananas coming out for the players to eat. Itne kele bandar bhi nahi khaate (Even monkeys don’t eat this many bananas). And this is their diet? Had Imran Khan been our captain, he would have beaten me up for eating like this,” Akram exclaimed.
His comments reflect a larger concern about the fitness levels and dietary habits of Pakistani players. Cricket has evolved into a sport where fitness plays a crucial role, and top teams prioritize protein-rich diets and rigorous fitness routines. Akram’s frustration stems from the belief that Pakistan’s players are not physically prepared to compete at the highest level.
Pakistan’s Bowling: Worse Than Oman and USA?
Beyond fitness concerns, Akram was scathing in his analysis of Pakistan’s bowling performance. The former fast bowler pointed out shocking statistics that showed Pakistan’s bowling unit performing worse than associate nations.
“Enough is enough. You have made them the stars. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to take only 24 wickets at an average of 60 runs per wicket. Our average is even worse than Oman and the USA. Out of 14 teams playing ODIs, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst,” Akram said.
This revelation is alarming for a country historically known for producing world-class fast bowlers. With names like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Imran Khan in their cricketing history, Pakistan’s current bowling standards are a pale shadow of their glorious past.
Selection Blunders and PCB’s Accountability
Akram did not hold back in questioning Pakistan’s squad selection for the Champions Trophy. He urged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman to take immediate action by grilling the selection committee and coaching staff over their decisions.
“Chairman saab, please call the captain, selection committee, and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made. Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha—did they ever look like they could take wickets? I have been shouting for weeks that this squad is not good enough, but the chairman insisted they had assembled the best team,” Akram stated.
His remarks highlight growing concerns about Pakistan’s team selection process, which has often been criticized for favoritism and inconsistency. While top teams like India, Australia, and England meticulously plan their squads based on performance and adaptability, Pakistan has struggled with questionable selections, which have repeatedly backfired in major tournaments.
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy has intensified the demand for drastic changes in the team setup. Akram’s outburst underscores the urgency of addressing fundamental issues, from fitness and diet to selection policies and bowling strategies. If Pakistan hopes to regain its lost glory in international cricket, the PCB must take immediate action, ensuring that merit, fitness, and form dictate team selections rather than reputation or favoritism.
For now, Wasim Akram’s frustration echoes the sentiments of millions of Pakistan cricket fans: enough is enough. If Pakistan wants to compete with the best, it needs to fix its deep-rooted issues—starting with what’s on their plate.
