Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in disappointment with losses to New Zealand and India followed by a rain-abandoned match against Bangladesh, leaving the team winless. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood highlighted injuries and pressure as factors affecting performance, while Bangladesh reflected on their own struggles as well.
The Pakistan cricket team’s performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy has been disappointing, with early losses to New Zealand and India, eliminating them from semifinal contention. A subsequent match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving Pakistan winless in the tournament, despite hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. The match cancellation infuriated local fans eager for action at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was also affected by weather disruption earlier in the week.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed discontent over the team’s performance, stating, “We wanted to do well and perform well in front of our nation. The expectations are very high. We didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us.” Furthermore, he emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes and aims to improve in future series, including an upcoming tour in New Zealand. Rizwan maintained that injuries to players such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub contributed significantly to the team’s struggles.
Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood attributed the losses to injuries and the pressure experienced during the match against India, noting that the team had previously demonstrated better form. He stated, “We know where we need to improve. It is all about adapting and taking responsibility. The results have also been a surprise for us.” He urged supporters to maintain faith in the team’s potential and urged for patience as they rebuild.
Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, shared similar sentiments regarding their performance and the weather’s impact on their final match. He expressed disappointment at not being able to play saying, “I am very disappointed. We really wanted to play this match, but cannot do anything about the weather.” Shanto hopes the team can develop effective strategies and improve their fast bowling unit, which has struggled in previous tournaments.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 was marked by early defeats and a weather-abandoned match, culminating in a disappointing, winless campaign. Both Rizwan and Mahmood acknowledged key injuries and external pressures, vowing to learn from their experience and improve in future contests. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s challenges mirrored those of Pakistan, highlighting the need for strategic development moving forward.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
