Babar Azam is a ‘fraud’, Pakistan fans have picked ‘wrong heroes’: Shoaib Akhtar-OxBig News Network

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised Babar Azam, stating that Pakistan fans have chosen the wrong sportspersons as their “heroes.” On Sunday, February 23, Pakistan suffered their second defeat in the Champions Trophy, losing to Rohit Sharma’s India by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Babar had a forgettable outing, scoring 23 runs off 26 balls with five fours before falling to Hardik Pandya. Akhtar pointed out that Virat Kohli has grown in stature by idolising the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, while he slammed Babar for looking up to a player known for his defensive style of cricket.

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“We always compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now tell me who is hero of Virat Kohli? Sachin Tendulkar and he has scored 100 centuries and Virat is chasing his legacy. Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (Without naming any cricketer),” Shoaib Akhtar was quoted as saying on the show “Game On Hai.”

“You have picked the wrong heroes. Your thought process is wrong. You were a fraud from the beginning. I would not even wish to talk about Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing this because I am getting paid. This is a waste of time. This deterioration I am seeing since 2001. I have worked with the captains, whose personality used to change thrice a day,” Akhtar added.

Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy

After beginning their campaign with a 60-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand, Pakistan couldn’t make a comeback against India. On Sunday, Pakistan set India a target of 242 on the back of a half-century from Saud Shakeel. But India tracked down the target with 45 balls left in their innings.

On Monday, Pakistan officially made an exit from the Champions Trophy. Pakistan crashed out after New Zealand beat Bangladesh by five wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s last match is against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

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