Pakistan’s abrupt exit from the Champions Trophy sparked outrage among fans and experts, criticizing the team’s approach after losses to New Zealand and India. During a live television segment, former captain Mohammad Hafeez questioned Shoaib Malik about his mentorship role, causing discomfort until Shoaib Akhtar intervened. As Pakistan’s hopes faded, former captains emphasized the need for structural reforms in domestic cricket to produce quality players. Fans express frustration, forced to rely on other teams’ failures. Pakistan, the defending champions, now faces Bangladesh in a meaningless match, reflecting widespread disappointment in the current state of the national team.
The early exit of Pakistan from the Champions Trophy has sparked widespread outrage across the nation, with fans and analysts criticizing the team’s strategy. As the hosts of the tournament, Pakistan has officially been eliminated from the semi-finals after suffering defeats against New Zealand and India in their initial group matches. The situation escalated on live television when former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez put his ex-teammate Shoaib Malik in a difficult position by inquiring about his mentorship role during the PCB-organized Champions Cup One-Day tournament from the previous year.
Malik, a past captain of Pakistan, was one of five mentors appointed by the PCB for the pentangular tournament. As Malik appeared to be uneasy in response to Hafeez’s question, legendary Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar jumped in to assist him. This incident occurred on PTV Sports following New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh, which eliminated both them and Pakistan from the semi-finals contention.
“Malik is among the five mentors working with the Pakistan team. What kind of responsibility and authority were you given?” Hafeez asked Malik.
Before Malik could provide an answer, Hafeez interjected: “It’s been six months, right? Six months!”
Noticing Malik’s discomfort, Akhtar quickly said: “Don’t put him in a spot.”
Yet, Hafeez pressed on: “I’m not asking him any difficult question.”
One of them is Shoaib Malik. When Hafeez tried to spotlight him, he went completely silent. Everyone’s just making easy money.pic.twitter.com/QnZVGFnl4B https://t.co/7yB6EJ8rZJ
— M (@anngrypakiistan) February 24, 2025
Pakistan was hoping for Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand on Monday to keep their faint chances of reaching the semi-finals alive, but the outcome was unfavorable.
“We have been supporting these players over the last few years, but they are neither learning nor improving,” former captain Wasim Akram expressed to AFP.
“A significant overhaul is required. We need to enhance our domestic cricket system to produce quality cricketers instead of average ones.”
“I feel very disheartened with the current state of Pakistan cricket,” former captain Rashid Latif shared with AFP.
“We must prioritize merit and appoint professionals in the administration of cricket, rather than individuals with political connections.”
“Ongoing changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee, and captains have hindered our progress in forming a proper team structure.”
“We were excited that an international event had finally returned to our country, but that joy was short-lived,” lamented Umar Siraj, a 26-year-old pharmacist from Rawalpindi.
“The hardest part of being a Pakistan fan is having to hope for other teams to lose,” he chuckled. “It’s painful. I’m crushed.”
As the defending champions, Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in a meaningless match on Saturday.
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