“Pakistan Should Play Zimbabwe & Ireland First…” – Ex-Cricketer Slams Team

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal did not hold back after Pakistan’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi.

Pakistan, after opting to bowl first, struggled with their bowling attack as New Zealand’s Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118) led the charge, helping their side post a massive 320-run total. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, managing only 260 runs, with Khushdil Shah emerging as the top scorer with 69 runs, including 10 fours and a six.

Following this poor performance in both departments, Kamran Akmal slammed the team, suggesting that Pakistan should instead compete against Zimbabwe and Ireland rather than in an elite tournament like the Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan Should Play Zimbabwe & Ireland First” – Kamran Akmal

Expressing his frustration, Akmal did not mince his words while speaking to ARY News, saying:

“There’s a series happening between Zimbabwe and Ireland. Pakistan should go and play there first. If we manage to win against them, then maybe we deserve to play in the Champions Trophy. This is the level of cricket we are playing right now.”

Akmal also highlighted New Zealand’s composure, pointing out how they lost three early wickets but still managed to post a huge total. He praised their game awareness and backup plans, noting that even when Rachin Ravindra was injured, his replacement, Will Young, stepped up and scored a century.

Pakistan’s Next Challenge – Clash Against India on February 23

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, now faces an uphill battle as they take on Rohit Sharma’s Indian team in their next match on February 23 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Stadium.

After their comprehensive defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan will need to bounce back strongly if they want to keep their Champions Trophy campaign alive. It remains to be seen how they respond to the criticism and whether they can rise to the challenge against India.

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