Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy
Pakistan is out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and fans are upset. The team lost to India by six wickets. They needed Bangladesh to beat New Zealand to stay in the tournament but the team failed to reach their goal. Because of the results, Pakistan was eliminated in the competition.
Former players want huge changes. Ex-captain Wasim Akram said the team has not improved. He blamed the local cricket scene for not producing quality players. Rashid Latif also said too many changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management hurt the team.
Pakistan has struggled for a long time. They failed in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup after losing to India, and the T20 World Cup last year. They also finished last in the World Test Championship. Fans are tired of the losses, and many believe Pakistan cricket is getting worse.
Experts say Pakistan cricket is weak because of bad pitches, poor coaching, and frequent board changes. They believe the PCB has no clear plan, leading to bad team selection and coaching problems.
Injuries and poor team choices
Shahid Afridi criticised the team’s old-fashioned style. He said they still play like it’s the 1980s. He wants a fresh start so Pakistan can play with more aggression.
Injuries also strained the team. Saim Ayub injured his ankle, so the team delayed picking the final squad. Fakhar Zaman got injured after the first match. He was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq, who only scored 10 runs against India.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers were also a problem. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf were rested before the tournament to keep them fresh. They looked unprepared and could not stop runs in key moments.
Selection choices were also questioned. Pakistan picked Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf because of their performances in Bangladesh’s T20 league.
Fans voice concerns: Is Pakistan cricket in crisis?
Fans were upset after the loss to India. A cafe owner in Karachi shared that many people turned off the TV because they didn’t want to see the defeat. A chef in Islamabad said the team had a 'loser’s mindset' and did not try to fight back. Some fans even left the stadium early, and declined to watch more.
Fans think Pakistan cricket needs huge changes. They want better team selection, coaching, and a modern playing style. Others say the team lacks discipline and a winning mentality. Some believe Pakistan needs a strong leader, like Virat Kohli or Ben Stokes, who can inspire the team and change their approach.
Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads. Without major changes, they will keep falling behind top teams. The Champions Trophy exit is a clear signal that a new strategy is needed to turn things around.
