Pakistan’s loss to India has left fans and former players wondering it their team can ever match their rivals in an ICC event.
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy has sent shockwaves through its cricket-loving nation, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a historic homecoming for a major international tournament.
Defending champions Pakistan suffered a crushing 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket loss to archrivals India, effectively sealing their fate in the group stage. Their slim hopes rested on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand, but when that didn’t happen, Pakistan’s final match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi became a dead rubber.
Calls for Overhaul Amidst Disappointment
The team’s poor performance has reignited debates over Pakistan’s cricketing structure. Former captain Wasim Akram voiced his frustration, saying, “We have backed these players for years, but they are neither learning nor improving. It’s time for a major shake-up.” He emphasized the need for reforms in domestic cricket to produce high-quality players rather than mediocrity.
Critics have pointed to inconsistent selection policies, low-quality domestic pitches, and frequent leadership changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as key issues. Political interference in cricket administration has further complicated the situation.
Former captain Rashid Latif echoed these concerns, stressing the need for merit-based appointments. “Frequent changes in the PCB, selection committee, and captaincy have prevented us from forming a stable team,” he lamented.
A Disheartening Moment for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s early exit is particularly painful given that this was their first time hosting a major ICC event in 29 years, marking a significant improvement in security conditions.
Shahid Afridi, another former captain, criticized the team’s outdated approach. “Pakistan was playing 1980s and 1990s-style cricket while other teams have evolved with a modern, aggressive mindset,” he said. “We need a complete overhaul of our system.”
The disappointment among fans is palpable. Umar Siraj, a 26-year-old pharmacist from Rawalpindi, summed up the frustration: “The hardest part of being a Pakistan fan is praying for other teams to lose. It’s painful.”
Pakistan’s poor showing is not an isolated incident. The team also crashed out of the 2023 ODI World Cup in the first round and failed to progress in the T20 World Cup. They finished last in the World Test Championship, further highlighting the decline in performance.
Injuries and Selection Missteps Add to Woes
Captain Mohammad Rizwan initially led the team to impressive victories against Australia and South Africa, but injuries and questionable selection decisions hampered their Champions Trophy campaign.
Key players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman were sidelined due to injuries, while Pakistan’s fast-bowling trio—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—struggled to find their rhythm despite being rested ahead of the tournament.
The selection of all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, based on their performances in Bangladesh’s T20 league rather than recent ODI form, raised further eyebrows. Rashid Latif called these decisions “political selection” rather than merit-based.
Fans Lose Faith in the Team
For many fans, Pakistan’s defeat to India was the final straw. Moiz Umer, a café owner in Karachi, said customers even asked to change the TV channel to “avoid the humiliation.”
“They played with a loser’s mindset,” said Rasheed Saleem, a 53-year-old chef. “They didn’t even try to attack.”
The emotional connection between Pakistan and cricket runs deep. “Cricket is the only source of entertainment for our youth,” said 52-year-old Asma Batool. “Our nation finds solace in this game.”
With growing discontent, calls for systemic reforms are growing louder. Pakistan cricket now faces a critical moment—either embrace change or risk further decline on the world stage.