Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam, Calls Him a ‘Fraud’ After Champions Trophy Exit
Following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back in his criticism of Babar Azam, labeling the star batter a “fraud.” Akhtar’s harsh comments came in the wake of yet another disappointing performance from Babar, who has been under increasing scrutiny for his recent form.
Akhtar Questions Babar Azam’s Role Models and Inspirations
On a television show, Akhtar questioned Babar Azam’s choice of role models, drawing a stark contrast between the inspirations that shaped Babar’s career and those that motivated Virat Kohli. Akhtar pointed out that Kohli’s hero, Sachin Tendulkar, had a legendary career that included 100 international centuries, and Kohli himself is chasing that remarkable legacy. “We often hear comparisons between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. But let me ask you, who is Virat Kohli’s hero? It’s Sachin Tendulkar, a man with 100 international centuries, and Kohli is chasing that legacy,” Akhtar remarked, suggesting that Babar Azam has not followed an equally distinguished set of role models.
Criticism of Babar’s Mindset and Approach
Akhtar didn’t stop at questioning Babar’s role models but also criticized the Pakistani captain’s mindset, implying that his influences have led him to adopt an incorrect approach towards his career. “Who is Babar Azam’s role model? Let’s not name any cricketer but you’ve chosen the wrong role models. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning,” Akhtar added, emphasizing that Babar’s career path has been flawed from the start.
Babar Azam’s Disappointing Performance Against India
Babar Azam’s performance in the match against India only added fuel to the fire of Akhtar’s criticism. Babar managed to score only 23 runs off 26 balls, hitting five boundaries before being dismissed cheaply. Pakistan set a modest target of 241 runs, which India easily chased down in 42.3 overs, winning by six wickets. This lackluster performance from Pakistan’s captain further fueled the debate about his leadership and batting consistency.
Akhtar Praises Virat Kohli’s Stellar Century Against Pakistan
While Akhtar was critical of Babar Azam, he did not hesitate to praise Virat Kohli for his match-winning century in the same game. Akhtar acknowledged Kohli’s exceptional consistency and his ability to perform under pressure. “When Virat Kohli plays against Pakistan, you just know he’s going to get a hundred. He’s a modern-day legend, a white-ball run machine! There’s no debate about his greatness. I’m genuinely happy for him—he deserves all the accolades he gets,” Akhtar concluded, recognizing Kohli as one of the greatest contemporary players in world cricket.
