Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistan's 'brainless and clueless management' following defeat against India

Shoaib Akhtar blasts Pakistan's 'brainless and clueless management'. (Photo: ICC/X)

Former cricket Shoaib Akhtar labelled the Pakistan cricket team management as "brainless, and clueless" following the six-wicket loss to India in the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (February 23). It was the second defeat Pakistan faced in the ongoing ICC tournament. In the opener of the tournament, the hosts were handed a 60-run loss by New Zealand.

"I am not disappointed at all (by the defeat to India) because I knew what would happen," Akhtar said in a short video on his X account.

"You can't select five bowlers? the whole world is playing six bowlers… you go with two all-rounders, this is just brainless and clueless management."

The pace legend questioned the management for selecting a side which lacked necessary skills.

I'm not disappointed at all. pic.twitter.com/Hmc38V03KJ
Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025

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Can't blame the kids: Akhtar

"I am really disappointed. We can't blame the kids (Pakistan players); The players are just as clueless as the team management is! They don't know what to do."

The former pacer also questioned the Pakistan players' intent and skills.

"Intent is a another matter, they don't have the skill-set like Rohit, Virat, and Shubman. Neither the players know anything, nor the management. They have just gone to play without any clear direction. No one knows what they should do."

Below par batting. Easy target. Whats next? pic.twitter.com/DqAcgDvyPt Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025

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Wishes Kohli gets to 100 hundreds

India's star batter Virat Kohli scored his 51st century in ODI cricket helping his side win the game against their arch-rivals. The batter maestro now has a total of 82 international hundred across all formats.

"When you tell Virat that he has to play a match against Pakistan, he will come prepared and then he will score a century. Hats off to him..he's a superstar, white ball run chaser, modern day great," Akhtar said congratulating the Indian star.

Give him Pakistan and he will come back in form with a match winning 100. #Kohli pic.twitter.com/6eGq048PmF
Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 23, 2025

Kohli also became the fastest to reach 14,000 ODI runs during his innings.

"He's an honest guy. He completed 14,000 runs also. I hope he makes 100 hundreds because it's important that the guys gets it all."