ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Did Babar Azam take Wasim Akram’s advice too literally in Pakistan’s defeat?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram masked his disappointment with humor after Babar Azam’s sluggish innings contributed to Pakistan’s 60-run loss to New Zealand in their Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. Akram, working as an expert for a Pakistani TV channel, used a witty analogy to reflect on Babar’s unusually slow knock, which cost Pakistan dearly in front of a packed home crowd.
Akram recalled his pre-match advice, where he had urged Babar to anchor the innings while others played aggressively around him. Jokingly, Akram said Babar took his words too literally, resulting in one of the slowest innings of his career.
Read More:
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: What is the qualification scenario for Pakistan after their loss to New Zealand?
Chasing 321, Pakistan struggled early as Will O’Rourke dismantled the top order, reducing them to 22 for 2. Fakhar Zaman, battling an injury, came in at No. 4 but struggled for fluency. Despite Fakhar’s difficulties, Babar failed to accelerate, crawling to his fifty in 81 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 60 off 91 deliveries, leaving Pakistan well short of the target.
Akram lightened the mood with a humorous story:
“There is a joke. A man had a fight with his wife and left the house in anger. When you’re angry, you tend to say impulsive things. He said, ‘I wish I were dead.’ And then he dies. He then asks the Almighty, ‘I just swore, and you took it seriously?’
“Likewise, I just spoke, and Babar took it too seriously,” he quipped.
Wasim akram:“Yaar mein tey srf gall hi keeti si”
— Tahir (@rajatahir27) February 20, 2025
Wasim akram hilarious response on Babar Azam slow batting ???? pic.twitter.com/cN4VIonuXP
Read More:
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: How many more runs for Rohit Sharma to create this history?
The panel, including host Fakhar-e-Alam, Waqar Younis, and Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Nikhil Chopra, burst into laughter at Akram’s analogy.
Babar faced severe criticism for his innings as Pakistan lost their first ICC tournament match at home in 29 years. The defeat also put Pakistan at risk of an early exit from the Champions Trophy. With a crucial clash against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23, another loss could end their campaign.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the India match after sustaining an injury while fielding against New Zealand.
