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Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam, Labels Him a Fraud Following Pakistan’s Defeat to India

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Renowned Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a fierce critique of Babar Azam, branding the former captain a “fraud.” Veteran all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez didn’t hold back either, calling for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to drop the star batter following yet another lackluster performance.

These comments came during live television discussions immediately after Pakistan faced a disheartening six-wicket defeat to India on Sunday in Dubai, jeopardizing their chances in the ICC Champions Trophy as they now rely on other teams’ outcomes.


Babar, often compared to Indian cricketing great Virat Kohli and touted for his potential to break numerous batting records, appeared set for greatness early in his career. However, with rising expectations, the 31-year-old has struggled.

In the match against India, Babar scored only 23 runs off 26 balls, marking Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat in the Champions Trophy. While Babar did manage a fifty in the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi, his slower batting style faced criticism.

“We frequently compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now ask yourself, who is Virat Kohli’s idol? Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 100 centuries and is pursuing that legacy,” Akhtar remarked on the show ‘Game On Hai.’

“And who is Babar Azam’s idol? Tuk Tuk (he didn’t name any cricketer). You’ve chosen the wrong role models. Your mindset is flawed. You’ve been a fraud from the start.”

Babar is not Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Hafeez, appearing on the same panel, criticized Babar’s ability to perform in high-stakes matches. He stated that a champion is recognized for shining in pressure situations. While he acknowledged Babar as a “good” player, he pointed out that the 31-year-old has not been able to lead Pakistan to victories in any series in SENA countries.

“Babar Azam is not the true king; that title belongs to Virat Kohli. Look at Kohli’s performances; he has excelled globally. We need performers, not just PR figures. Babar Azam is a good talent, but can you name a single player-of-the-match performance he’s had against India? Why do we remember Shoaib Akhtar’s performances against India? Why is Younis Khan regarded as a major figure in India-Pakistan matches? Shoaib Malik has had significant performances against India as well,” Hafeez remarked.

“Tell me, what has Babar Azam, the best Pakistani talent of the last decade, done in terms of a standout performance against India? Unlike Inzamam-ul-Haq, who won matches for Pakistan under difficult circumstances, Babar has never helped us defeat India. After ten years of play, he has yet to be a player of the series in SENA countries. He has never led Pakistan to victory in Australia or England.”

Thus, Hafeez delivered an unequivocal message to the PCB and the selection committee, urging them to move on from Babar and explore new talent.

“It’s time to reflect. We must recognize that the players we are relying on are not performing, and it’s essential to transition to those waiting in the wings,” he added.

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Jatinder Singh Excels in Super Over as Oman Narrowly Defeats USA in Exciting League 2 Showdown

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Oman triumphed over the United States in an electrifying Super Over match on Wednesday at Lauderhill, as reported on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) official website. Captain Jatinder Singh was instrumental in securing the victory.

Jatinder played a pivotal role by scoring a century, bringing Oman to a total of 266, a score that the USA managed to match. He returned for the extra over to deliver the crucial hit that secured Oman third place in the League 2 rankings.


The experienced right-hander led Oman’s innings after the USA skipper, Monank Patel, elected to bowl first. Jatinder scored 100 runs off 101 balls before being dismissed in the 41st over. Despite Oman appearing to have set a defendable target, Jasdeep Singh’s late effort of 17 runs from the final six balls forced a Super Over.

In the Super Over, Jatinder hit 12 runs off the first three balls, leading Oman to victory, while the USA, represented by Harmeet Singh and Andries Gous, scored only 13 runs.

With this win, the USA remains in second place in the League 2 rankings, while Oman moves ahead of Scotland to secure third place.

Oman will next face Canada on Friday at the same venue in Lauderhill.

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Woakes Returns as Rocky Flintoff Joins 14-Member England Lions Squad to Challenge India A

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The England Lions have unveiled a robust 14-member squad for their two upcoming four-day matches against India A, commencing May 30 in Canterbury. The selection boasts a blend of seasoned players, promising youth, and some intriguing picks.

Leading the announcement is the return of veteran pacer Chris Woakes and the maiden call-up for Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

Woakes, 36, who missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to an ankle injury, aims to use the Lions fixtures to showcase his fitness and form ahead of the senior team’s Test series against India in June.

Having excelled in last summer’s Ashes series with 19 wickets at an impressive average of 18.15—securing the Compton-Miller Medal—Woakes is a pivotal player under English conditions. However, with younger seamers like Essex’s Sam Cook making a push for selection, these matches could be essential for him to maintain his place in the senior team.

The Lions will be captained by Somerset’s James Rew, who is also part of the senior squad for the Zimbabwe Test starting May 22. Rew will lead a vibrant group, which includes legspinner Rehan Ahmed—available only for the first match before joining the T20I squad for the West Indies—and talented top-order batter Dan Mousley.

One of the standout selections is Rocky Flintoff, the son of Ashes 2005 hero Andrew Flintoff. The squad also features left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull, who made his England debut last summer against Sri Lanka, and opener Ben McKinney, a former England U-19 player looking to climb higher.

Another notable inclusion is Farhan Ahmed, younger brother of Rehan, who has earned his place thanks to impressive performances for Nottinghamshire with his off-spin bowling.

Jordan Cox is expected to return for the second match in Northampton after being sidelined for the Zimbabwe Test due to injury, while Jofra Archer will not be participating. Initially considered for the second match at Wantage Road, Archer is out due to a right-thumb injury sustained during the IPL.

England Lions Squad: James Rew (Captain), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Woakes.

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Mukesh Kumar of DC Fined for Violating IPL Code of Conduct

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Mukesh Kumar, a pace bowler for the Delhi Capitals, was fined 10% of his match earnings following his team’s loss to the Mumbai Indians, which officially ended their hopes of advancing to the IPL 2025 playoffs, according to ESPNcricinfo.

He was found guilty of a Level 1 breach under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, relating to the improper handling of cricketing equipment during the match. Kumar accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Daniel Manohar and acknowledged the charge.


In Wednesday’s match, Kumar struggled with his bowling, giving away 48 runs in his four overs, which included three sixes and five boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir scored a staggering 27 runs in his 19th over, playing a crucial role in setting Mumbai’s total to a strong 180. Kumar’s figures ended at 2/48, with that over going for 6, 1, 4, 6, 6, and 4.

The Delhi batting lineup faltered, managing just 121 runs after Kumar was substituted for KL Rahul as the impact player during the chase. Only two uncapped players, Vipraj Nigam (20) and Sameer Rizvi (39), managed to cross the 20-run mark. Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner, were impressive, combining to take three wickets while conceding just 23 runs in 44 deliveries.

Season-wise, Kumar has played in 11 of DC’s 13 matches, claiming 11 wickets. However, his performance has been costly, with an economy rate of 10.11 and an average of 32.63 runs. Following Mumbai’s victory, the playoff spots are locked in for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings, leaving the rankings of these four teams to be determined in their final group stage matches.

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