Pakistan’s aspiration to post a decent finish in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was crushed with their last group-stage game against Bangladesh being washed out, seal their last spot in Group A. The reigning champions fought a poor tournament, losing to New Zealand and bitter rivals India, ending up without any win.
With great hopes, Pakistan’s campaign was plagued by poor performances and lost opportunities. Their first encounter against New Zealand was a sub-par batting effort, resulting in a comprehensive defeat. Their much-awaited match against India also turned out to be a disappointment, with the Men in Green unable to chase a fighting total. With the Bangladesh match being washed out, Pakistan could not pick up any points and ended up at the bottom of the table.
The performance of the team has attracted criticism from supporters and pundits alike, with voices calling for reflection and possible retooling of strategy and command. Pakistan’s bowling was sporadically brilliant, but the batting unit lacked composure in the face of pressure, leaving them vulnerable and being exploited by the opposition. The premature elimination is a call to action for the management to review team selection and preparations prior to upcoming competitions.
As defending champions, Pakistan’s inability to progress beyond the group stage is a major disappointment. In the future, the team will have to regroup, work on their weaknesses, and regain their confidence to restore their position in international cricket. The frustration of this tournament could be a motivation for a better comeback in future tournaments.
