Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and batsman, Kamran Akmal, has stirred the cricketing community with his candid critique of Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In a series of interviews and social media posts, Akmal has not shied away from pointing out what he sees as critical flaws in team selection and strategy.
Akmal emphasized the pivotal role of India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya, stating, “Without Hardik, India’s playing XI is incomplete,” highlighting Pandya’s crucial contribution to the balance of the Indian team.
However, his most pointed criticisms were reserved for his home team, Pakistan. “The team has many loopholes,” Akmal remarked, expressing concern over the bowling department’s current state, particularly the lack of dependable spinners. He used a local proverb to underscore Pakistan’s unpredictable performance, “Chal jaaye toh chand tak, nahi toh shaam tak,” implying that while Pakistan has the potential to reach great heights, they might not even make it past the early stages of the tournament.
The former cricketer also touched on the contentious issue of India-Pakistan cricket relations. He accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of double standards concerning security concerns for touring Pakistan. Akmal suggested a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy where India plays at neutral venues, with a similar approach applied to future ICC events hosted by India. He further proposed that India vs. Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments should be halted until bilateral cricket series are reinstated, showing his frustration with the politicization of cricket.
Regarding team composition, Akmal was critical of the decision to make Babar Azam open in ODIs. “It ruins both his confidence and the team’s combination,” Akmal stated, suggesting that this tactical shift could backfire for Pakistan in the tournament.
Kamran Akmal’s comments have sparked a wide range of reactions from fans and analysts alike, with some seeing his critique as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s cricket board, while others view it as an overstatement of the issues at hand. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Akmal’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action for Pakistan to reassess their strategies and team selection to compete at the highest level.
Source :. HINDUSTAN TIMES
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