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Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on Babar Azam, calling him a “fraud” after his poor performance against India. Babar managed just 23 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya, adding to his ongoing slump in international cricket.
Furious over Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat to India, Akhtar slammed Babar’s comparison with Virat Kohli, stating that while Kohli has built a legacy, Babar has failed to live up to expectations.
"Babar Picked the Wrong Heroes" – Akhtar’s Brutal Criticism
Speaking on the show "Game On Hai," Akhtar ridiculed Babar’s slow batting approach and questioned his choice of role models.
“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me, who is the hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar. He has scored 100 centuries, and Virat is chasing his legacy.”
He then took a dig at Babar, implying that his batting inspiration is defensive and ineffective:
“Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (referring to slow batting). You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning.”
Akhtar went on to say that he wouldn't even discuss Pakistan’s team if he weren’t being paid for it:
"I would not even wish to talk about the Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing this because I am getting paid."
Akhtar Hails Virat Kohli After His Match-Winning Century
While tearing into Babar, Akhtar was full of praise for Virat Kohli, who played a match-winning knock by scoring his 51st ODI century, leading India to 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! A modern-day great! No doubt about him. I’m very happy for him. He deserves all the praise."
Pakistan on the Brink of Elimination
Pakistan’s loss to India was their second consecutive defeat, leaving them on the verge of an early exit from the tournament. If New Zealand beats Pakistan on Monday, Pakistan will be officially eliminated from the semifinal race.
With mounting criticism and slim qualification hopes, Pakistan cricket finds itself in a major crisis. Can Babar Azam bounce back from this storm, or will Shoaib Akhtar’s harsh words prove to be a reality check?
