 "Waqar Younis slammed Mohammad Rizwan's Pakistan team after their loss to India. Image: YouTube/SportsCentral - Reuters")
India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on Sunday. Virat Kohli played a spectacular knock of an unbeaten century to help India win the game. Pakistan, on the other hand, displayed poor cricket as they went down to arch-rivals India yet another time in an ICC tournament. Pakistan, the host nation, are now on the verge of being eliminated from the tournament after losing two in two.
Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has launched a scathing attack on Mohammad Rizwan’s side following their disappointing loss to India. The legendary pacer expressed frustration over Pakistan’s outdated approach to modern-day cricket, emphasising the team’s inability to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the game.
Waqar Younis slams Pakistan’s approach against India
Speaking on the Sports Central YouTube channel, Waqar Younis did not mince his words, claiming that Pakistan’s cricketing philosophy remains stuck in the 1980s.
“In Pakistan, I think even in the present we are stuck in the 80s theory. It’s the 80s theory to take the game deep, if you need a run rate of 5, stretch it to 8 or 9 and leave it to the others to do it for you. This doesn’t happen anymore. As you say, Wasim bhai (buddy), there is no consistency on any level—chairmanship, selectors, or coaches,” Waqar said.
Drawing comparisons with other teams, Waqar highlighted how Australia successfully chased 350 against England in their opening game of the Champions Trophy without letting the required run rate escalate.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“In modern-day cricket, it can’t happen that you fall short of the required run rate and then expect to make a comeback. Teams will not allow you to bounce back. You saw Australia chase 350 against England; there was no single instance where Australia’s required rate increased. That is the way to go. Although they lost early wickets they kept pushing, looked positive, looked to attack, and kept searching for runs.”
Pakistan’s loss to India once again exposed their struggles in high-pressure encounters. Their tendency to play conservatively and leave too much for the lower order has repeatedly cost them crucial matches. This was evident in their Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand, where they failed to keep up with the required run rate.