Legendary Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram has responded to former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez’s criticism of Pakistan’s 1990s era during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Wasim Akram refused to engage in the discussion, stating that he had a lot to say but didn’t want to give attention to such remarks.
Pakistan had a disastrous campaign despite being the hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They finished at the bottom of their group and failed to reach the semifinals. This was their first ICC event at home since the 1996 ODI World Cup, but their poor showing has led to an inquisition within the team.
They Left Nothing for Pakistan – Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez sparked controversy with his remarks on the 1990s cricket stars. Speaking on PTV, Hafeez criticized them for failing to leave a lasting legacy. He pointed out that they did not win an ICC event. Hafeez’s comments have triggered heated responses from former players.
“I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s, but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan,” Hafeez, while speaking about the CT on PTV, had said.
Despite having several legendary players, Pakistan have struggled for consistent success in ICC events. Their first major triumph came in the 1992 ODI World Cup, but they have managed to win only two more ICC titles since—the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy.
I Have Lots to Say About People – Wasim Akram
Speaking on the Dressing Room show, Wasim Akram stated that he had a lot to say but did not want to give attention to such remarks. He further said that those making such statements were no longer relevant in his life.
“I have lots to say about people who have been saying all this,” said Akram, in reference to Hafeez’s comments. “But I don’t want to give them attention.”
“Woh meri zindagi se nikal chuke hai, unke naam bhi nahi lena chahiye (These people have left my life, shouldn’t even utter their names),” added Wasim Akram.
Wasim Akram played 104 Tests and 356 ODIs in his career. He took 414 wickets in Tests and 502 in ODIs. Akram also made an impact with the bat, scoring three Test centuries, including a double century. Meanwhile, his bowling partner Waqar Younis took 373 and 416 wickets in Tests and ODIs, respectively.
Pakistan Set to Face New Zealand in Next Assignment
Pakistan entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as both hosts and defending champions but suffered a humiliating group-stage exit.
Following their disappointing campaign, Pakistan will tour New Zealand for a limited-overs series, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The series will start with the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has picked a younger squad in T20Is. They dropped senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed captain, while Shadab Khan has returned to the squad as vice-captain.
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