Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended disappointingly for skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who cited the impact of injuries on the team’s balance. Finishing last in Group A, Pakistan managed only one point, and Rizwan emphasized the need for improvements ahead of their upcoming tour to New Zealand.
Following Pakistan’s elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed his disappointment regarding the team’s performance. Despite hosting the tournament partially in Pakistan and the UAE, Pakistan finished at the bottom of Group A after their last group match against Bangladesh was washed out. The team concluded their campaign with only one point after losing to both New Zealand and India.
Rizwan acknowledged that the absence of key players, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injuries, significantly distorted the team’s balance. He stated, “We didn’t perform well, and it is disappointing for us,” emphasizing the high expectations from the team to perform well in front of their home crowd. Moreover, he noted how injuries impacted the team, saying, “the team was combined and then suddenly when someone is injured, the team will be disturbed.”
The captain emphasized the necessity for improvement within the team’s bench strength and the importance of enhancing domestic structures. He noted, “We want improvements in different things… we see that in the Champions Cup, but we need more improvement,” indicating a need for greater professionalism and awareness to elevate the team’s standards.
Looking ahead, Pakistan plans to tour New Zealand for a series of T20I and ODI matches, commencing on March 16. Rizwan reflected on the team’s recent mistakes, expressing a determination to learn from those experiences. He remarked, “Hopefully, we can learn from these…we will do better in New Zealand.”
In conclusion, Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has led to a critical reflection on their performance. Mohammd Rizwan has acknowledged the adverse effects of player injuries and expressed a commitment to improvement. As they prepare for their upcoming series in New Zealand, the focus will be on learning from past mistakes and enhancing the team’s overall performance.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
