Loss to arch-rivals India – Disastrous exit from Champions Trophy, Pakistan cricket team in a deep crisis
After Pakistan's defeat to India, fans and former players are concerned if their team will ever be able to compete against their rivals in an ICC event. The exit of the hosts from the Champions Trophy in the group stage, just a week after celebrating the return of a major tournament, has led to frustration and widespread calls for change in cricket-crazy Pakistan.
The title holders lost their opening match to New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi on Wednesday, and then Sunday’s six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India pushed them to the brink of elimination from the group stage. Pakistan’s slim hopes of advancing to the semifinals depended on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand, but the result went the other way.
Thursday’s match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has now turned into a dead-rubber game.
Former captain Wasim Akram told AFP, “We have been supporting these players for the last few years, but they are neither learning nor improving.”
He added, “It is time for a major shake-up. We need to improve our domestic cricket system so we can produce quality players, not ordinary ones.”
The lack of competitiveness in domestic cricket and low-quality pitches have been blamed for failing to prepare players for the international stage. Critics say frequent changes to the cricket board, coaching staff, and selection panels have also been an obstacle to the team’s progress.
Former captain Rashid Latif said, “We need to bring in professionals in the administration of the game and not people based on political influence.”
This failure in Pakistan cricket is especially painful for the country as they were hosting an international tournament for the first time in 29 years.
Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi said, “In 2025, Pakistan is still playing cricket from the 1980s, while other teams have progressed with an aggressive and modern style.”
Cricket is dying in Pakistan: Fans' frustration
Explaining the importance of cricket in Pakistan, Asma Batool, a 52-year-old housewife, said, “Cricket is the only source of entertainment for our youth. Our nation finds solace in this game.”
Although Pakistan recently defeated Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, injuries disrupted the team's performance at the beginning of the tournament.
Fans have blamed Pakistan’s loss to India on a "loser’s mindset." Moiz Umer, a cafe owner in Karachi, said, “In such a big match, we lost, and many people turned away from the match.”
Now, calls for a major overhaul of the team and management have emerged in hopes of reviving Pakistan cricket.
