Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in bitter disappointment as their final group stage fixture against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain on Thursday.
Having already been eliminated from semi-final contention following defeats to New Zealand and India, the hosts finished at the bottom of Group A with just a single point, bringing an underwhelming end to their title defence.
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Reflecting on the campaign, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan pointed to injuries to key players as a significant factor in their struggles, particularly the absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.
“We wanted to do well and perform in front of our nation. The expectations were very high, but we didn’t perform well, and it is disappointing for us,” Rizwan admitted.
He emphasised how Ayub’s injury disrupted Pakistan’s balance, stating, “The guy who has been performing for the last few months in Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe… the team was settled, and then suddenly when someone is injured, the team gets disturbed.”
However, Rizwan refused to use the setbacks as an excuse. “Yes, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were injured, but we will learn from this,” he said.
Ayub, who played a crucial role in Pakistan’s ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa last year, was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury during the Proteas Test series. Meanwhile, Zaman suffered an oblique muscle strain in the opening match against New Zealand, further weakening Pakistan’s top order.
‘We need more improvement’
When asked about the strength of Pakistan’s bench, Rizwan acknowledged that improvements were needed, particularly at the domestic level.
“We want improvements in different areas. If we want to raise Pakistan’s standards, we need awareness and professionalism. We see that in the Champions Cup, but we need more improvement,” he remarked.
With Pakistan now set to tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I and three-ODI series starting March 16, Rizwan stressed the importance of bouncing back.
“We have made mistakes in the last few games. Hopefully, we can learn from them,” he said. “We are next going to New Zealand, and hopefully, we can perform there. The mistakes we made against New Zealand here in Pakistan, we will learn from them and do better in New Zealand.”
