The Pakistan cricket team faced a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025,
failing to progress beyond the group stage despite being the defending champions. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan suffered a 60-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match, followed by a six-wicket defeat to India. With New Zealand securing a victory over Bangladesh on February 24, Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament was confirmed, as they could finish no higher than third in the group. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals.
Internal Disputes in the Pakistan Camp
According to a report from Cricket Pakistan, the team’s poor performance was largely due to internal conflicts between captain Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aaqib Javed. The report claimed that Rizwan was frustrated with key decisions being made without his input. For instance, he had pushed for Khushdil Shah to be included in the playing XI, but Aaqib Javed overruled him and selected Faheem Ashraf instead. This lack of coordination between the selection committee and the captain reportedly led to tensions within the squad.
The report further mentioned that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had suggested squad changes twice before the tournament, but his recommendations were ignored. Despite the team’s poor performance, no major actions were taken in response.
Fans Demand Change After Pakistan’s Continued Downfall
With their title defense ending in disappointment, Pakistan will now play Bangladesh in a dead rubber match on Thursday. Meanwhile, fans have expressed frustration over the team’s declining performance and are calling for sweeping structural reforms within Pakistan cricket.
This marks Pakistan’s third consecutive group-stage exit in an ICC white-ball tournament, following their early eliminations from the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
At a time when international teams are embracing aggressive, modern-day cricket, Pakistan appears to be struggling with an outdated approach. The team’s batting unit lacked urgency, playing 161 dot balls against New Zealand in Rawalpindi and 147 against India in Dubai. Their hesitant batting strategy, poor shot selection, subpar fielding, and injury setbacks further contributed to their downfall.
The injury of explosive opener Fakhar Zaman created a void at the top, and his replacement, Imam-ul-Haq, failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Meanwhile, key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan underperformed, failing to rise to the occasion when needed most.
Pace Attack Struggles and Pakistan’s Leadership Instability
Historically, Pakistan has relied on its strong pace attack, but the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf appeared off-color, struggling to make an impact. Their inability to replicate past performances left Pakistan vulnerable in crucial matches.
Beyond on-field struggles, Pakistan’s administrative instability has significantly affected the team. Frequent changes in leadership and coaching staff have prevented the team from establishing consistency. Over the past three years, Pakistan has had four different captains, multiple selectors, and eight different head coaches, including Gary Kirsten, who led South Africa to a World Cup title.
With continuous uncertainty at the top, Pakistan’s on-field struggles seem inevitable. Fans and experts alike are now demanding a major overhaul in Pakistan cricket, from administration to team strategy, to revive their lost glory.
