Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram spoke at an ICC sponsor event, highlighting the significance of Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy after 29 years.

He acknowledged that while the tournament was a great opportunity for the country, Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals was disappointing. However, he urged fans to learn from the experience and move forward.

Akram praised South African player Rachleton, stating that his performance was highly impressive. He also pointed out that Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan was one of the tournament’s standout moments.

Discussing the rising costs of cricket equipment, Akram noted that bats and other gear have become extremely expensive. He appreciated initiatives to provide free, high-quality kits to young players, saying that such efforts would motivate them to pursue the sport and increase participation at the grassroots level.

Former cricketer Nadeem Khan addressed the lack of infrastructure as a major hurdle in Pakistan’s cricket development. He compared the situation to England and Australia, where every club has its own ground, whereas grassroots cricketers in Pakistan struggle with basic facilities.

He also appreciated the initiative of distributing free cricket kits, calling it a positive step towards encouraging young talent.

During his media talk, Wasim Akram addressed the frustration over Pakistan’s performance, stating that the team’s defeat was not sudden but expected. He emphasized that young players need time to develop, and the nation must be patient rather than expecting immediate victories.

Akram stressed the importance of building a strong team for 2026, with a focus on preparing for the Asia Cup as well. He urged fans to support the younger players and allow them time to gain experience and improve.