Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign ended in disappointment, a stark contrast to the initial optimism that surrounded the team. With portions of the tournament held in Pakistan and the UAE, there was hope that home conditions would provide an edge. However, what unfolded was a sequence of missteps, poor planning, and mismanagement, exposing deep-rooted issues within the national cricketing structure.
A key issue was squad selection, which faced immediate criticism from former players and analysts. Rashid Latif, a veteran cricketer and former captain, pointed out the apparent political interference in team selection. “It felt like outside influence was more important than current form,” he remarked. The inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, despite his two-year absence from ODIs, and the selection of Khushdil Shah raised eyebrows. Critics questioned the rationale behind these choices when younger, in-form players were available. Furthermore, Babar Azam’s appointment as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman was met with skepticism. When Fakhar was ruled out, Imam-ul-Haq was slotted in, but his dismal performance, including a mere 10-run knock in a crucial match against India, only amplified the criticism. The frequent changes in the batting order and inconsistent team combinations resulted in a lack of cohesion, preventing the team from building any sustained momentum.
The statistics from Pakistan’s matches underscored their struggles. Against India, the team played an astonishing 152 dot balls, demonstrating their inability to rotate the strike and build partnerships. The New Zealand match saw an even worse tally of 162 dot balls, reinforcing the lack of aggression and strategic intent. Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated all-rounders, was scathing in his assessment. “The mindset of Pakistan players does not match with modern-day cricket,” he lamented. His remarks resonated with many who saw Pakistan clinging to outdated batting strategies while other teams embraced innovation and adaptability. The much-vaunted pace attack, consisting of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, failed to live up to expectations. Shaheen, in particular, delivered erratic performances, recording figures of 3/88 and 2/74, which raised concerns about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s bowling unit.
The role of the coaching staff also came under scrutiny. Wasim Akram, one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers, expressed his disappointment bluntly. “There is nothing strong about Pakistan when it comes to cricket,” he said, reflecting the widespread disillusionment among former players and fans alike. The lack of tactical awareness, adaptability, and mental resilience were evident throughout the tournament. Captaincy decisions were repeatedly questioned, as Pakistan’s game plans often appeared reactive rather than proactive. There was a palpable lack of on-field leadership, which further exacerbated the team’s problems.
Beyond the playing field, the internal dysfunction within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cast a long shadow over the team’s performance. Frequent leadership changes, political interference, and the absence of a long-term vision created an unstable environment. Wasim Akram was particularly vocal about the larger cultural issues within the PCB, stating, “Characters are missing. The fearless, aggressive attitude is missing. We are getting used to being ordinary.” His words painted a bleak picture of a cricketing structure that had lost its identity and fighting spirit. The PCB’s inability to implement a consistent selection policy or establish a stable coaching framework contributed significantly to Pakistan’s downward spiral in international cricket.
The impact of these administrative failures was evident in the team’s lack of preparation and adaptability. While other cricketing nations invest heavily in data-driven strategies, fitness regimes, and player development programs, Pakistan lagged behind. The team’s inability to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern cricket was glaringly apparent. In contrast, teams like India and England have embraced a more analytical and structured approach, ensuring that players are selected based on merit and suitability rather than reputation or external influences.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign serves as a wake-up call for a cricketing system in urgent need of reform. A shift toward merit-based selections, data-driven decision-making, and strategic coaching is essential if Pakistan hopes to compete with the world’s best teams. Additionally, the PCB must address the internal power struggles and administrative inefficiencies that have long plagued the organization. Without these fundamental changes, Pakistan’s cricketing future remains uncertain, and the echoes of disappointment from this campaign will continue to reverberate.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
