Shoaib Akhtar goes mad after Pakistan's defeat to India in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized the team's management after their six-wicket loss against India in Dubai in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Akhtar stated that he had no expectations from the "brainless" and "clueless" decision-makers during the ongoing ICC marquee tournament.

Virat Kohli guided India to victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. The defeat was a massive blow to Pakistan's semifinal hopes, leaving their fans disappointed. With this win, India moved to the top of the Group A table, securing four points from two games.

This Is Just Brainless and Clueless Management - Shoaib Akhtar

In a video shared on X, Shoaib Akhtar said that the decision to field only four specialist bowlers and rely on two all-rounders was a major mistake. Akhtar stated that he was not surprised by Pakistan’s defeat to India, as he had no expectations from the "brainless and clueless" management.

“I am not disappointed at all (by the defeat to India) because I knew what would happen. You can’t select five bowlers, the whole world is playing six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders but this is just brainless and clueless management. I am really disappointed,” Akhtar said.

I'm not disappointed at all. pic.twitter.com/Hmc38V03KJ

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025

Akhtar's video quickly went viral on X, receiving over 15,000 likes within two hours. Many fans agreed with his assessment, believing his criticism of Pakistan's strategy was justified.

The Players Are Just as the Team Management Is - Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar stated that the Pakistan players didn’t have the skills of India's top batters, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. However, he defended the players, adding that they were simply following instructions from the management.

“We can’t blame the kids (Pakistan players); The players are just as the team management is! They don’t know what to do. The intent is a different thing, they don’t have the skillsets like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither they know anything, nor the management. They have just gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do,” Akhtar added.

Virat Kohli Goes on to Complete 100 International Centuries - Shoaib Akhtar

The 49-year-old praised Virat Kohli for his match-winning performance, adding that he played a flawless innings. Akhtar also wished for Kohli to achieve 100 international centuries.

"I’m really happy for him as he’s an honest man. He also completed his 14,000 runs in ODIs today, I hope he goes on to complete 100 international centuries in the future. I really want him to do that, I hope this guy gets it all. I’m really really happy for him. Wish him all the best and I think, he deserves all the praises seriously. The way he came out and played a flawless innings today."

Virat Kohli guided India to victory with an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls as they successfully chased down 242 with more than seven overs to spare. This was his fourth ODI century against Pakistan in 17 matches.

During his knock, Kohli reached 14,000 ODI runs, becoming only the third player to achieve the feat after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. The ace batter also became the fastest to reach this milestone.

Also read: Rohit Sharma severely injured? Report reveals why India skipper left field during IND vs PAK clash