Wasim Akram, a Pakistan cricket icon, expressed dismay following Mohammad Rizwan's team's devastating six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. Pakistan's hopes of progressing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are now dependent on the performances of other teams.

Pakistan had batted first after winning the toss against India and only managed 241 runs in Dubai. Saud Shakeel made 62, while Mohammad Rizwan (46) and Khushdil Shah (38) contributed as well. Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, while Hardik Pandya scalped two for India.

In reply, Virat Kohli’s 100* was the cornerstone for India’s chase, while Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46) played aggressive roles for the Men in Blue.

When asked to sum up the mood, Akram told a great joke on Pakistan cricket on the Sports Central show that left other panelists Ajay Jadeja, Nikhil Chopra, and Waqar Younis in stitches.

"Ek aadmi najoomi ke paas jaata hai. Apna hath dikhata hai ke apne future ke baare me puchta hai. Najoomi hath dekhtar kehta hai ki tu gareeb hai, tu aur gareeb ho jayega, tu bahut gareeb ho jayega. Fir tujhe aadat ho jayegi. Hum sabko bhi aadat ho gayi hai." [A man goes to an astrologer and shows his palm to ask for his future. The astrologer says that the person will become poor, get poorer and continue to get poorer. Eventually, the person will get accustomed to it. We are also used to it now!],” Akram said while explaining the state of Pakistan cricket.

Akram also urged for big changes to Pakistan's team ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026. He believes the team requires a thorough overhaul and wants to put a stop to the celebrity culture in Pakistan cricket.

He said: "We have been losing with these same players in white ball cricket for the last few years. Now the time has come to take a bold step and what a bold step it is. Young players should bring fearless cricket in white ball cricket. Even if you have to make more than five-six changes, make them. Support them and prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup [T20] from now itself. Enough is enough. We have seen them. We have given them a chance. We have made them stars."

The former fast bowler highlighted concerning statistics about Pakistan's bowling performance in recent matches.

"Pakistani bowlers have taken 24 wickets in five matches at an average of 60. 60 runs per wicket and the surprising statistic is that Pakistan's bowling average is the second worst among 14 teams including Oman and USA,” he said.

Pakistan's tournament prospects now depend on the outcome of the Bangladesh-New Zealand encounter in Rawalpindi on February 24. A Bangladesh victory would keep Pakistan's hopes alive in the tournament.