Reasons behind Pakistan poor run in Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament has ended after their 2nd loss in their 3-game group stage phase, which means they won’t move forward in the tournament. Pakistan who are the defending champions of the last played Champions Trophy in 2017, have fallen drastically since then. Let’s have a look at the reasons behind Pakistan poor run in Champions Trophy. 

What caused this situation?

Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts of the Champions Trophy, were eliminated from the tournament during the group stage after losses to New Zealand and India. Although they still have a match against Bangladesh on Thursday, their tournament is already over. This marks a disappointing end to their first major international event in 3 decades. 

The team’s preparation was struck by injuries to key players, including opener Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. The squad’s balance was further affected by an incomplete selection, with no second specialist spinner and reliance on part-time bowlers like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha. Pakistan also struggled with outdated strategies, focusing on defending cricket that resulted in a large number of dot balls. Critics, including former captain Shahid Afridi, pointed out that the team’s approach was outdated compared to more modern aggressive styles opted by major teams. A complete overhaul of Pakistan’s cricket system is needed, according to Afridi.

The Learning Phase

Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy has sparked concern among former cricketers, who believe the team is not progressing. Wasim Akram criticized the players for failing to improve and urged for a shake-up in domestic cricket and the management  to produce quality players. 

Rashid Latif focused on sentiments, blaming politically influenced appointments and inconsistent management. The team’s struggles reflect deeper issues, including low-quality pitches and administrative instability, hindering Pakistan’s growth in international cricket. This phase showcases the need for systemic changes to revitalize the team and restore its competitive edge. If Pakistan makes a comeback from this underwhelming and low form, they can be a strong force in world cricket.

DOWNLOAD: STUMPSANDBAILS FANTASY CRICKET APP

DOWNLOAD: DRAGOZ SPORTS FANTASY CRICKET APP