The Pakistan cricket team suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, and skipper Babar Azam found himself at the center of criticism. Chasing a daunting target of 321 runs, Pakistan endured a miserable start, managing only 22 runs in the first 10 overs while also losing two crucial wickets.
While Babar played a responsible knock, scoring 64 runs off 90 balls, his slow strike rate became a major talking point. Fans and cricket experts alike criticized the captain for failing to keep up with the required run rate, which ultimately cost Pakistan the match.
Wasim Akram’s Hilarious Dig at Babar Azam
Pakistan’s former cricket legend Wasim Akram joined the debate with a lighthearted but sarcastic remark about Babar Azam’s slow innings. During the post-match show on the ‘Sports Central’ channel, Akram was reminded of his previous advice to Babar, where he encouraged him to focus on building a long innings rather than worrying about strike rate.
Responding to the comment, Akram shared a humorous analogy, comparing the situation to an age-old joke:
“There’s a joke that when a man argues with his wife, he storms out of the house and yells, ‘I want to die.’ But when God actually listens and takes his life, the man pleads, ‘I was joking! Why did you take it seriously?’”
Bringing the joke back to Babar Azam’s innings, Akram playfully added:
“Just like that, I was also joking about my statement regarding Babar. Why did he have to take it so seriously?”
Fans Divided Over Babar Azam’s Approach
While some defended Babar Azam, arguing that his cautious approach was necessary after early wickets fell, others believed his slow scoring put too much pressure on the middle order. With Pakistan chasing a big total, many expected their captain to take a more aggressive approach rather than settling into a defensive mindset.
Pakistan’s Next Steps in Champions Trophy 2025
Following their disappointing Champions Trophy 2025 opener, Pakistan must regroup quickly as they prepare for their high-stakes clash against India. With criticism mounting on Babar Azam’s approach, the skipper will need to reassess his batting strategy and find a balance between stability and intent.
The upcoming matches will be crucial for Pakistan, and all eyes will be on Babar Azam to deliver under pressure while also addressing concerns about his strike rate.