Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has strongly criticized Pakistan’s squad selection ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, raising questions about the selectors and team management.
Akmal, known for his candid takes on Pakistan cricket in recent years, expressed his disappointment over what he sees as major shortcomings in the team’s composition. He highlighted concerns about the entire team, including the struggling bowling attack, lack of quality spinners, and underperforming openers, and questioned the decision-making process behind the squad selection.
“Our team has many weaknesses. The bowling is struggling. We lack quality spinners. The openers are struggling. I don’t know what the selectors and the captain thought,” Kamran Akmal stated in a scathing critique.
Beyond the squad selection, Kamran Akmal also took aim at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, questioning his understanding of cricketing matters and his role in approving the squad. “The chairman hasn’t played cricket; he doesn’t understand matters, so he gave his approval for such a squad,” he remarked.
Kamran Akmal’s remarks come at a critical time, with Pakistan set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of a major ICC tournament to the country after nearly three decades. However, he is not the only voice criticizing the squad selected for the Champions Trophy. Given Pakistan’s recent poor performances, many former players and analysts have raised concerns about Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, with their opening match scheduled against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. With Kamran Akmal’s criticism fueling the debate, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s performance and whether the selected squad can silence its critics when the tournament begins.