Wasim Jaffer criticized Pakistan’s cricket strategy during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting their defensive mindset and the selfish play of certain players, which led to their elimination after losses to New Zealand and India. He emphasized the need for a more positive, team-focused approach in future games.
Wasim Jaffer, the former Indian cricketer, has openly criticized the Pakistan national cricket team’s performance in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. As hosts of the tournament, Pakistan faced elimination after suffering consecutive losses to New Zealand and India, drawing significant criticism from both fans and analysts regarding their outdated strategies and the seemingly selfish attitudes of certain players.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer expressed his discontent with Pakistan’s overly defensive strategy during the matches. He remarked that their gameplay lacked aggression and positivity, stating that the team failed to seize control of the game, which has been an ongoing concern for some time now. He emphasized that they did not adopt a more proactive approach, which is essential in competitive cricket.
Jaffer further articulated that many players appeared more concerned with securing their positions on the team rather than focusing on achieving victory for Pakistan. He noted that even during test matches under Babar Azam’s captaincy, the playing conditions were subpar—particularly criticizing the lack of conducive pitches for their renowned fast bowlers.
“I think the approach is very very defensive, you just want to score your runs. The approach is probably not to lose, rather than going out there and looking for a win. That has been a major concern for me.” – Wasim Jaffer
Looking ahead, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their next ICC Champions Trophy match, marking the final game in the tournament for both teams.
In conclusion, Wasim Jaffer has highlighted significant issues within the Pakistan cricket team’s strategy, pointing out a prevailing defensive mindset and individualistic play that has hindered their performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His critiques underscore the need for a more aggressive and team-oriented approach to restore the team’s competitive edge.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
