Pakistan’s cricket team faced widespread criticism following disappointing performances at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, suffering defeats to their biggest rivals, India and New Zealand. The alarming decline of the once-proud cricketing nation has left fans and former players expressing their frustration and disappointment.
The nail-biting clash against India saw Virat Kohli’s men comfortably chase down Pakistan’s target of 241 runs, winning by six wickets. Pakistani fans, who turned out in large numbers to watch the match at stadiums and viewing parties, did not hold back their disappointment, expressing feelings of despair over poor batting and fielding. Social media platforms lit up with condemnations as supporters expressed their dismay over the team’s performance, leading to calls for accountability.
Ahmed Shehzad, the former Pakistan opener, did not mince his words when talking about the current state of the sport, stating, "People say the team doesn’t have a system where players are selected through favoritism, but they do. We’ve seen it. We know everything. That was one sport left in Pakistan. That was cricket. Today, it has also finished," as reported by Geo.tv. His sentiments mark the growing frustration among fans who once devoted themselves to the team's glory.
But it wasn’t just the fans expressing their displeasure. Former players joined the chorus of criticism. Mohammad Amir urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on selecting top performers from domestic cricket instead of relying on the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He said, "I request PCB to prioritize top performers from domestic cricket over the Pakistan Super League for national team selection," highlighting the long-standing concerns over player selection processes.
Wasim Akram, one of Pakistan’s cricketing legends, shared his thoughts on the team’s weaknesses and the pressing need for change. Following the loss to India, he reflected, "Enough is enough. We are losing... The time is to take bold steps... Even if you have to make 5-6 big changes, do it... Start making the 2026 T20 World Cup team from now.” His comments came as no surprise, considering the national team's struggle; they are currently plagued by underperformance. The stats indicate the bowlers have taken only 24 wickets at an average of 60 over their last five matches, pointing to significant issues within the team's dynamics.
Akram also warned of the consequences of maintaining the current squad, saying, "The captain is also at fault because he is the leader... If he does not know who can win the match for him, then it is shameful." This criticism directed at captain Mohammad Rizwan reflects the overarching sentiment among fans and analysts who feel the leadership is sorely lacking.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar, another legendary fast bowler, emphasized the disparity between Indian and Pakistani players, commenting, "Can we compare Babar Azam with Virat Kohli? Talent is not something you just talk about—it is something you see. A star is not born in the dark; it shines." Such remarks serve as stark reminders of the gap between expectations and reality for the cricketing fraternity and underline the need for the team to rise to the occasion.
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja participated by describing Pakistan’s predictable defeats against India, stating, "People have started believing... whenever Pakistan plays against India, they will lose. Even today, their reaction was balanced—because they were never really challenged." These statements point to deep-rooted issues within the team structure and tactics, which have left fans and analysts questioning the team's resilience.
Basit Ali joined the fray with his critique of the squad selection, stating, "The first issue to address is the selection committee... Are the Indians fools for playing spinners? Kohli didn’t become world-class by accident. Our heroes are just social media stars." Ali's remarks speak to the broader concern over the adequacy of the strategy employed by selectors and the need for serious introspection.
With mounting pressure on the PCB to reassess its approach to team management, the outcome of Pakistan's next match against Bangladesh remains uncertain. The team will have to step up their game significantly if they hope to keep their World Cup hopes alive. All eyes are now on the performance and potential restructuring of the team as Pakistan grapples with its newly frustrated fanbase.
India, on the other hand, relishes its newfound dominance and position at the top of Group A, showcasing the need for Pakistan to reevaluate its cricketing strategy. Fans everywhere are left to wonder: can Pakistan's cricket team rise from the ashes, or is this the beginning of the end for their cricketing prowess?