'Pakistani fans chose the wrong heroes,' Shoaib Akhtar criticizes Babar Azam

Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a scathing attack on former captain Babar Azam, claiming that Pakistani cricket fans have chosen the wrong players as their "heroes."

While speaking on a private TV channel, the "Rawalpindi Express" compared Babar Azam to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. He criticized Babar's fans for blindly supporting him without considering the bigger picture.

Shoaib questioned, "Who is Virat Kohli's hero? Sachin Tendulkar is a batsman who has scored 100 international centuries. Kohli follows in his footsteps. But who is Babar Azam's hero? 'Tuk Tuk' (slow batting)." Though he refrained from naming anyone directly, his remarks hinted at a deeper concern regarding Babar's playing style.

Addressing Pakistan cricket fans, Shoaib added, "You have chosen the wrong heroes. You are thinking the wrong way! They have been deceiving you from the beginning. I don't even like talking about the Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing it because I am getting paid. It is a waste of time. I have been witnessing this decline since 2001. I have seen captains change, and their characters change three times a day."

Pakistan's disappointing performance in the tournament has fueled criticism. After defeating New Zealand and India, the Green Shirts were eliminated from the Champions Trophy.

Notably, Pakistan is the first host team to be knocked out of the tournament.