ISLAMABAD: Former Test cricketers called for drastic changes to the Pakistan team on Sunday after its shambolic performance in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan lost all three group matches to be eliminated from the tournament as its batsmen crumbled against West Indies, South Africa and India with the scores of 170, 167 and 165 respectively.

Former Test fast bowler Sikander Bakht said that change of coach led to confusion among the Pakistan batsmen. ''It looked as if our batsmen got confused after getting advice from so many people,'' Bakht said.

Bakht said Pakistan has to bring some fresh thinking to the team and get out of the defensive mindset of captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

''Bring in some new captain, why not Asad Shafiq?'' Bakht said. Shafiq was the top scorer against India with 41.

Former coach Mohsin Khan said it was not only disappointing but ''depressing to see'' Pakistan batsmen struggling in the Champions Trophy.

''Our batting graph kept on going down with every match and that was very depressing,'' said Khan.

“It is time we take strong measures to address this problem,” Khan told AFP

The team appeared to have no strategy to tackle the batting slump, he added.

“It's no comment if you ask me about coach's contribution,” said Khan, who was replaced as coach by former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore in March last year.

“Just think of it, there was no planning, no strategy and no permanent batting slots.”

Khan said Misbah fought a lone battle at the crease while bowlers were outstanding.

“Our batsmen failed to support Misbah who did very well while our bowling was outstanding but we lost all matches because of poor batting,” said Khan, a stylish opener in his days.

Former captain Rashid Latif was harsh on Whatmore.

“Whatmore should be sent back because he and other support staff has failed,” said Latif.

“New people should come and take over this team which has talent but need better planning.”

He also said the Pakistan's administrative set-up should be streamlined.

“We always make players accountable but don't hold the cricket board responsible,” said Latif. “We must streamline the board with some new and wise people and then build this team with better planning.”

In sharp contrast, India's top order batsmen – led by Shikhar Dhawan's back to back centuries against South Africa and the West Indies – won all three of its matches and topped Group B.

Fast bowling great Wasim Akram told Geo Television that Pakistan used to give India a tough fight during his playing days, and he was surprised to see Pakistan struggling on a batting-friendly wicket at Edgbaston on Saturday.

''We didn't play like what I saw on Saturday as our batsmen fell like a pack of cards,'' Akram said. ''Someone has to be brave enough and prepare young cricketers when seniors are not performing.''

Last month Akram trained Pakistan's bowlers at a camp in Karachi and spent few days with the Champions Trophy squad when the team convened at the northern city of Abbottabad.

But after watching senior batsmen like Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal struggle badly in England, Akram said changes needed to be made.

''I don't know if there is lack of ability in our players or there's some psychological problem, but drastic steps should be taken,'' he said.