Shoaib Akhtar Calls Babar Azam a FRAUD for Comparing Himself to Virat Kohli

New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar voiced his criticism of Babar Azam's lackluster performance against India, labeling him as a "fraud." Babar struggled to find his form, only managing to score 23 runs off 26 balls before getting out to Hardik Pandya. Akhtar, visibly disappointed by Pakistan's defeat, dismissed any comparisons between Babar and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that Kohli has established a significant legacy while Babar has yet to meet expectations. With a dig at Babar's batting style, Akhtar suggested that he has taken the wrong inspiration, resulting in his slow and ineffective outings on the field.

“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,” Akhtar said on the show “Game On Hai”. “Who is Babar Azam’s hero? Tuk tuk (no mention of cricketer he is referring to),” he added.

“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 the Pakistan cricket team. I am only doing this because I am getting paid.”

Akhtar was in awe of Virat Kohli, India’s star, who scored his 51st ODI hundred and led the team to victory by six wickets. He stated, “We have seen this before. When Virat Kohli is told he has to play against Pakistan, he will score a century. Hats off to him, he’s a superstar! A white-ball run chaser! A modern-day great! No doubt about him. I’m very happy for him. He deserves all the praise,” Akhtar said.

Pakistan faced a six-wicket loss to India in their second match, marking their second consecutive defeat and putting their semifinal hopes in jeopardy. A loss to New Zealand on Monday would officially eliminate them from the tournament.