Pakistan Faces Harsh Criticism, Urged to Withdraw from Champions Trophy and Participate in Series with Zimbabwe
Pakistan Face Criticism After Champions Trophy Loss
Pakistan faced a brutal criticism after their disappointing loss against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. Opting to bowl first, Pakistan gave away 320 runs as New Zealand’s Will Young and Tom Latham smashed centuries. In response, Pakistan’s batters failed to put up a strong fight and were bundled out for 260, resulting in a 60-run loss.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was quick to criticize Mohammad Rizwan and the team for their poor performance. In a conversation on ARY News, Kamran suggested that Pakistan should leave the Champions Trophy and join a series with Zimbabwe or Ireland to improve their game. He expressed his disappointment at the declining standards of Pakistan cricket over the past few years.
Kamran praised New Zealand for their mature brand of cricket, highlighting their ability to adapt and execute a backup plan when needed. Despite New Zealand’s initial struggle at 73/3, they managed to post a formidable total with Young and Latham’s centuries.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the team’s mistakes against New Zealand during the post-match presentation. He admitted that they underestimated the target set by New Zealand and failed to adapt to the changing pitch conditions.
Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The defeat against New Zealand has raised questions about Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy and the overall state of their cricket. The team will need to regroup and analyze their shortcomings to bounce back in the tournament.
One of the key challenges for Pakistan will be to address their batting issues and build partnerships in the middle order. Consistency and resilience will be crucial for the team to compete against strong opponents in the Champions Trophy.
Additionally, Pakistan can use this setback as an opportunity to reassess their strategies and work on improving their skills. The upcoming matches in the tournament will test their character and determination to succeed at the international level.
As they prepare for their next match, Pakistan will need to focus on their strengths and execute their game plan effectively. With the right attitude and determination, they can turn their performance around and make a mark in the Champions Trophy.