Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar harshly criticised Pakistan batsman Babar Azam and labeled him a “scam” following Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against arch-competitor India on Sunday.
Babar and Virat Kohli are often compared due to their similar batting styles, but Akhtar dismissed the parallels, emphasizing that Kohli’s mindset and influences are far superior.
Addressing a television program, Akhtar critiqued the models of Babar and contrasted them with Kohli’s respect for cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
We hear a lot of comparison of Virat Kohli with Babar Azam. Let me ask you this, Virat Kohli’s idol is the great Sachin Tendulkar with 100 centuries in the international format and Kohli attempting that record,” added Akhtar.
His previous right-arm pacer teammate further had a dig at Babar and claimed that the latter’s influences and attitude had been misplaced.
Who is the idol of Babar Azam? Let us not take the example of any player, yet you’ve adopted the wrong idols. You’ve got the wrong mentality. You’re a cheat from the outset,” he further added.
Under the tight spot himself, Babar had a poor outing in the nail-biting match against India. He added a dismal 23 runs of 26 deliveries with five boundaries before falling at a low price.
Pakistan set a humble target of 241, and India reached it comfortably within 42.3 overs with a six-wicket margin of victory.
Simultaneously, Kohli, the star Indian batsman, who had once again risen to the occasion against Pakistan with a match-winning ton, was praised by Akhtar.
“Whenever Virat Kohli plays against Pakistan, you know that he’s going to get a hundred. He’s a modern-day legend and a white-ball run machine! There’s no debating the great player that he’s been. I’m actually really happy for the fellow—him and the awards that he receives,” he added. To the world at large, Pakistan became the first side, alongside Bangladesh, officially excluded from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 last Monday with the tournament set to conclude on March 9.</p>
The Green Shirts, the 2017 title holders with Sarfaraz Ahmed at the helm of the side, began the title defense against the Kiwis.</p>
After losing the Champions Trophy opener against the Kiwis, Pakistan followed it with a second consecutive defeat against India with Virat Kohli leading the charge with an unbeaten 100* while effectively chasing Pakistan’s 241 runs at Dubai.</p>
