Host nation Pakistan was extremely disappointed at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting several unwanted records with its early elimination.
The Greens’ early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a low point, underscoring a series of challenges in international competitions.
New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match showcased their prowess and confirmed the elimination of host nation Pakistan. This marks the first time since 2009 that the host nation has failed to advance past the tournament’s group stages, a fate last suffered by South Africa.
Having lost earlier to New Zealand and India, Pakistan saw their chances of progressing vanish as the Kiwis secured their win in Rawalpindi. This early exit adds a few unwanted records to the Pakistani team under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, reminiscent of previous defending champions who also fell at the group stage, including Australia in 2013 and India and Sri Lanka in 2004.
Read: Virat Kohli’s Century Guides India to Easy Win Over Pakistan
The situation worsened after Sunday’s match, in which India lost decisively to Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Virat Kohli led the charge with his 51st ODI hundred, propelling India to a victory that left them well-positioned for the semifinals.
Following these disappointing performances, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that head coach Aaqib Javed’s tenure would end post-tournament. Amidst considerable critique of the team’s tactics and outcomes, PCB contemplates a significant overhaul of the coaching staff, highlighting the ongoing challenge of stabilizing leadership within the team.
The tournament was notably Pakistan’s first opportunity to host an ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, adding a layer of expectation to their participation.
