Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025, exiting their home tournament without a single win. Mohammad Rizwan’s team suffered a 60-run defeat in their opening match against New Zealand and failed to mount a comeback against arch-rivals India in a one-sided contest.
The team’s lackluster performance against Rohit Sharma’s side drew sharp criticism, as they struggled both with the bat and ball. Opting to bat first, Pakistan was bowled out for 241, with Rizwan’s cautious approach coming under scrutiny from fans and former cricketers. India chased down the target comfortably, sealing victory with more than seven overs to spare, while Virat Kohli’s century added further dominance to India’s triumph.
Former Pakistan bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz did not hold back when analyzing Rizwan’s demeanor, suggesting that the pressure was evident before the marquee clash. “There’s no doubt about that (India are ahead of Pakistan). When I watched the toss, I saw the reaction of the Pakistan captain (Mohammad Rizwan). He looked lost somewhere. I don’t know if it was due to pressure, but he didn’t look the same as he generally does,” Nawaz said in a show.
He further elaborated on Rizwan’s uncharacteristic behavior, pointing out that his usual energy was missing. “Unlike in other matches, he wasn’t blabbering at all; he was just quiet. I don’t know what went wrong there. Pakistan’s selection was very poor. If there is no proper selection and a proper team is not picked, the other team will always be far ahead of you. This was the main issue.”
Adding to the criticism, Nawaz disclosed that he had written to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding team selection for the Champions Trophy, recommending two players he believed could make an impact. However, his suggestions were overlooked, contributing to Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the tournament.
