Wasim Akram advises PCB to prepare team for ICC World Cup 2027

Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to start preparing for the 2027 ICC World Cup and implement major changes for a strong comeback in international cricket.

With Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the Champions Trophy semifinals fading after a crushing defeat to India, Akram emphasised the need for decisive action due to the team’s persistent struggles in white-ball cricket.

“Now is the time to take bold steps,” he said during a discussion on Pakistan cricket’s shortcomings.

He advocated for bringing in “young, fearless players, even if it means replacing five or six big players.”  He added, “even if we lose for the next six months, back these new players and start building for the 2027 World Cup now. Enough is enough, we’ve given multiple chances and made stars out of them.”

Akram also highlighted Pakistan’s weak bowling performance and cited alarming statistics. According to him, Pakistani bowlers have taken just 24 wickets in five matches at an average of 60.

Read: Rizwan says Pakistan should qualify without depending on others

“Another shocking stat, among the 14 teams that played ODI cricket this year, including Oman and the USA, Pakistan’s bowling average is the second worst,” he revealed.

Cricket enthusiasts were left dejected as India chased down Pakistan’s target of 242 in 43 overs, thanks to Virat Kohli’s brilliant century at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

After winning the toss, Rizwan opted to bat first, but Pakistan struggled, getting bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs. Pakistan suffered its first loss in the form of Babar Azam for 41 runs, who fell victim to Hardik Pandya's ball after scoring 23 runs, after which Imam-ul-Haq was run out after scoring 10 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan was out for 46 runs while Saud Shakeel returned to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs, Tayyab Tahir was out for 4 and Salman Agha for 19 runs.

Shaheen Afridi, who came after him, was dismissed without scoring any runs, Naseem Shah played an innings of 14 runs, Khushdil Shah scored 38 and Haris Rauf scored 8 runs.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, while Hardik Pandya claimed two. Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja took one wicket each.