Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 Failure: A Case of Favoritism Over Merit?

Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment, with multiple factors contributing to their early exit. 

One of the major issues was their inconsistent batting performance, particularly at the top order. The opening pair failed to provide solid starts, with Pakistan managing only 22 runs in the first 10 overs against New Zealand, the lowest powerplay score in the tournament. 

Captain Babar Azam’s conservative approach, exemplified by his slow 64 off 90 balls, further hampered their ability to chase competitive totals.

Pakistan’s team selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 seems to have been influenced by favoritism and nepotism rather than pure meritocracy. 

The inclusion of out-of-form senior players while overlooking young, in-form talent raised serious concerns. The team management persisted with struggling pacers, ignored effective spinners, and failed to create a balanced squad suited to the conditions. 

This lack of merit-based selection significantly weakened Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.

A more balanced and merit-driven squad would have included a strong opening pair with Fakhar Zaman (if fit) or Saim Ayub, along with Abdullah Shafique or Mohammad Haris. 

This combination would have provided both stability and aggression in the powerplay. In the middle order, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were essential, but they needed better support from players like Saud Shakeel or Agha Salman, who are capable of rotating strike efficiently. 

A key mistake in selection was the exclusion of a quality spin attack. Abrar Ahmed or Sajid Khan should have been included as specialist spinners, while Mohammad Nawaz or Noman Ali could have provided left-arm spin to control the middle overs. Instead, Pakistan relied too much on fast bowlers despite spin-friendly conditions.

Bowling, once a stronghold for Pakistan, also proved to be a weak link in this tournament. The bowlers struggled in the death overs, conceding 105 runs in the last eight overs against New Zealand, which allowed the opposition to post challenging totals. 

Additionally, the lack of genuine pace made it difficult for the bowlers to trouble top-order batsmen, and Pakistan’s reliance on out-of-form bowlers further exposed their vulnerabilities.

In the pace department, Shaheen Shah Afridi was a must-have, but Haris Rauf’s inclusion despite fitness concerns was a questionable decision. 

A better option could have been Zaman Khan, who has shown promise in death bowling. Hasan Ali or Mohammad Wasim Jr. would have added variety, offering both pace and some lower-order batting depth. The biggest selection mistakes included favoritism toward senior players, ignoring consistent domestic performers, and an imbalance between pace and spin. Had the team been selected purely on merit, Pakistan might have performed far better in the tournamen

Poor selection decisions also played a role in Pakistan’s downfall. The exclusion of top-class spinners like Sajid Khan and Noman Ali was a strategic misstep, especially given the spin-friendly conditions. Instead, the team management persisted with underperforming players, ignoring emerging talent that could have made a difference. 

Compounding these issues, fitness concerns plagued the squad. Fakhar Zaman’s injury disrupted the batting order, while Haris Rauf, despite being declared fit, struggled and conceded 83 runs in 10 overs against New Zealand.

External factors, such as scheduling and venue choices, also influenced Pakistan’s performance. Matches hosted in Dubai favored certain teams, leading to criticisms about conditions that may have put Pakistan at a disadvantage. Ultimately, a combination of strategic errors, poor player form, fitness struggles, and external challenges resulted in Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan's cricket landscape is poised for significant transformation following their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly planning major changes, including the dismissal of interim head coach Aaqib Javed and his support staff, as well as a potential overhaul of the selection committee. These steps aim to rejuvenate the team's performance ahead of upcoming international commitments. 

The team's immediate schedule includes a T20I series against New Zealand in March 2025, followed by a tour to the West Indies in July and August 2025, encompassing both T20I and ODI matches. These series offer opportunities for emerging talents to integrate into the national setup and for the team to rebuild its confidence. 

Cricketing legends like Wasim Akram have emphasized the necessity for substantial reforms, advocating for the inclusion of young, fearless cricketers in place of underperforming senior players. This perspective underscores a broader consensus on the need for a merit-based selection process to revitalize Pakistan cricket. 

However, challenges persist beyond the playing field. The PCB faces difficulties in attracting sponsors, a situation exacerbated by the team's recent performances. Securing financial support is crucial for sustaining development programs and ensuring the team's competitive edge on the international stage. 

In summary, while Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads, the proposed structural changes, upcoming series, and a renewed focus on nurturing young talent present a pathway toward a more promising future.