Former wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal addressed the recent controversy surrounding the absence of a representative from host nation Pakistan during the prize distribution ceremony of the recently concluded Champions Trophy. According to him, Pakistan didn’t have a representative because it didn’t “deserve” to be there.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, Kamran Akmal, criticised Pakistan’s lackluster outings in the recently-concluded 50-over tournament. He also deemed the post-match ceremony after the summit clash as being an embarrassing moment for the representatives of the host nation. Pakistan has hosted an ICC event after 29 years. However, the side could not deliver the performance and was eliminated from the tournament just after playing a couple of games.
Pakistan’s dismal performance in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 enrages former cricketers
It was a Champions Trophy 2025 to forget for Pakistan. Their first group-stage match against New Zealand, the curtain-raiser of the tournament, ended in a 60-run defeat. A thumping six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals, India, furthered Pakistan’s misery. Their final league phase game against Bangladesh was washed out due to inclement weather. Pakistan ended up getting knocked out in an ICC tournament which they were hosting for the first time after 29 years.
The tournament was held in hybrid model due to political tensions between India and Pakistan hence India played all their games in Dubai. The Men in Blue reaching the final meant that the final would be held in Dubai however, after India winning the trophy there was no official representation from Pakistan cricket at the trophy presentation ceremony.
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal would lambast the Pakistan side for their performances through the tournament and would say they could not defeat even the D teams with their full strength. Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, Kamran Akmal, criticised Pakistan’s lackluster outings in the recently-concluded 50-over tournament. He also deemed the post-match ceremony after the summit clash as being an embarrassing moment for the representatives of the host nation.
Former cricketer Kamran Akmal takes a brutal dig at Pakistan over 2025 Champions Trophy flop show
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal took a brutal dig at Pakistan after their flop show in the 2025 Champions Trophy. India beat New Zealand by four wickets to win the final in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Pakistan failed to progress past the group stages, finishing last in Group A. With that, they also failed to defend their title as they had won the previous edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Kamran Akmal bashed the team for their performance and said that the team needs to start winning and not play selfish cricket. He also questioned the selection and lack of accountability.
“Our reputation will only come back when you start to win and play good cricket. If you play only for yourself, no one will have respect. Not the players, not Pakistan, and neither the PCB. Is there someone to ask why teams like Bangladesh whitewash us? The chairman should ask this. At least reach the semifinals in an ICC event,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Catch And Bat With Kamran Akmal’.
“You are being knocked out in the initial rounds itself. Did anyone ask the coach, captain, or the selection committee as to how cricket is being run? When there is no accountability, how will the cricket improve?,” he added.
Further, Kamran Akmal also lashed out at the team management and the board for its approach during the Champions Trophy.
“Our aim was fulfilled that we got money and upgraded stadiums. We did not think that we need to improve our cricket as well. We did not think about where is Pakistan’s respect going. I do not think they will get any shame till no one talks about this,” he expressed.
The former cricketer added that the team should play well at least for the respect of the fans who come to the stadium to watch them and must learn from India to play to win and not for personal goals.
While there have been lot of talks about India playing all their games in Dubai, Kamran Akmal said that Pakistan did not play well despite being the host nation of the Champions Trophy.
“Everyone is telling India played in Dubai. Whatever it is, we were playing in our country and had no issues. The only issue is that we are not playing that type of cricket which the whole world is playing,” the former cricketer opined
He blamed the way the team thinks and the decisions taken which have hurt Pakistan cricket.
“If we win one series, we are happy with that and that is only an achievement for us. The thinking is small and they do not think big. It is shameful to see world cricket and how our team is playing. It is not the mistake of the players but of the decision makers. What do they think and make the team? You cannot qualify in the Asia Cup, what will you win an ICC event?,” he questioned.
Pakistan will be touring New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs next. The white-ball series is scheduled to commence on Sunday, March 16.