Pakistan is officially out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after New Zealand's win against Bangladesh on Monday. 'Qudrat ka Nizam' this time did not work as Pakistan, who hosted an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, are out even before playing their last group stage match against Bangladesh on February 27.
Pakistan's losses to New Zealand and archrivals India have not gone down too well with the former Pakistani cricketers, who have questioned the team's roster for the global tournament. Against India, the Mohammad Rizwan-led side posted a low score of 241 on a fairly good batting wicket in Dubai. India chased the total easily with seven overs to spare on on back of Virat Kohli's terrific unbeaten hundred.
On both the losses to India and New Zealand, Pakistan did not show any positive intent. This pathetic approach made experts angry. Here are five experts' opinions.
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Former Pakistan opener Ahmad Shahzad did not mince words and vent his frustration towards the current leadership group of the national side, who are not allowing young players to come into the side.
"They have a grouping of six-eight players. They are hungry to become the captain of the side. They don't allow any youngsters to come into the side. I have been part of the system for the last 20 years, do you think I would tarnish country's image? There was a reason why I left professional cricket at the age of 34. It was because the selections are not based on merit now."
"If you go into domestic cricket, just see what is happening with poor children. They are so talented but don't have enough contacts to get selected into the sides. Despite their bad performances, we still have supported the team to the hilt. However, the reality is in front of us only after two games," as told to Geo Sports.
Wasim Akram was the next to take a potshot on the Pakistan team. The former captain appeared on the Dressing Room Show of Ten Sports and slammed management for backing players who have failed to make an impact in the last few ICC events.
"We need drastic steps. Enough is enough! We have been losing with the same players for years now in white-ball cricket. It's time to take a bold step and bring in young players who play fearless cricket. If you want to make big changes, go for it. Give the new players six months, back them, and start preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. We have had enough. You gave them chances and made them stars."
"Pakistan bowlers took 24 wickets in the last five games but at an average of 60. The shocking statistic is that Pakistan's bowling average is the second worst among 14 teams, which includes Oman and the USA, that played ODI cricket this year. What should we do now? The Chairman should return home, call the captain, coach, and the selection committee, and ask the latter what kind of selection they made," he added.
Next, it was the turn of Ajay Jadeja, who shared his opinion on Ten Sports. The former cricketer felt a touch disappointed that Pakistan did not even try to fight till the end against India.
"Except toss, what did you win? You didn't even win hearts. Yes, you can win and lose games, but even in defeats, there comes a moment where you win hearts, Pakistan couldn't even do that today," he added.
"If you're selecting players on the basis of stats, then you're not selecting, you're rejecting. Because what you're selecting is what stats are showing, but the selectors should rather choose those players who are more than likely to succeed in the next six months."
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On PTV Sports the former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhter slammed fans for comparing Babar Azam with Virat Kohli.
“Would you rate Babar to Virat? Would you rate Shreyas Iyer to Khushdil Shah? Would you rate Rohit Sharma to Mohammad Rizwan?"
“For the past ten years, I am listening this is talented group. Where is the talent? You become a star by scoring runs and taking wickets. I can’t see any talent," he added.
Lastly, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez blasted the management for picking the same set of fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, despite the trio's failures in making an impact in the last three ICC events.
“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2022 T20 World Cup, 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, and now in the Champions Trophy."
“We need to show them the mirror. We need to realize that those who we are banking on are not performing, and we should move on from them. Give the opportunity to those who are waiting in the system. Let's go with Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza," he added.
