It was not all okay for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

The much-talked ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Pakistan officially designated as the host nation, concluded in Dubai, leaving behind a trail of controversies and hard-hitting lessons for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

While the tournament showcased world-class cricket, Pakistan’s failure on the field raised serious questions about the nation’s ability to assert its authority as hosts in the final and deliver a competitive team on the global stage.

A host in name only:

The final snub

The 20-day, 15-match event, already marred by pre-tournament tensions, ended on a sour note for Pakistan when no PCB representative was present at the final’s prize distribution ceremony. The PCB lodged a formal protest with the ICC, expressing displeasure over its exclusion from what should have been a proud moment for Pakistan as hosts.

Despite ICC’s response and any justifications provided by those handling the presentation ceremony, this was an unfortunate and humiliating moment for both the PCB and the nation. As the officially designated hosts, PCB should have exercised its rightful authority and taken charge of the arrangements for the final’s presentation ceremony. Instead, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC officials, operating from Dubai, appeared to dictate the proceedings, sidelining Pakistan’s rightful role.

The fundamental question remains: Why did the PCB allow this to happen? Once the ICC awarded hosting rights to Pakistan, it effectively transferred the event’s administrative and organizational powers – except for technical matters like match officiating – to Pakistan. The PCB, rather than accepting its diminished role, should have ensured its rightful representation, setting a precedent for future events.

Lessons from the past:

A host with authority

in 1987

In contrast, Pakistan’s Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan (BCCP, now PCB) in 1987 exercised its authority when co-hosting the Cricket World Cup with India. At that time, Pakistan successfully hosted a World Cup match against England at the Rawalpindi Club Ground, despite ICC’s hesitation with lacking of a proper cricket stadium. Temporary arrangements were made for around 20,000 spectators, and Pakistan, led by the late spin maestro Abdul Qadir, emerged victorious. That example of proactive administration is in stark contrast to the PCB’s passive approach in 2025.

Pakistan’s cricketing failure: A tournament

to forget

While administrative shortcomings were evident, Pakistan’s performance on the field was equally dismal. The team failed to reach the semifinals, leaving millions of cricket fans heartbroken. Expectations had been high, as this was the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan in 29 years, since the 1996 World Cup. The excitement was immense, with hopes of restoring Pakistan’s cricketing legacy and re-establishing the country as a premier cricketing destination.

However, those aspirations quickly crumbled as the team struggled for consistency, suffering a disappointing exit in the group stage. The opening ceremony may have set the stage for a grand tournament, but Pakistan’s campaign was anything but grand. The team lacked cohesion, key players underperformed, and selection blunders were glaring.

The Hybrid Hosting Model: A Compromise That Hurt Pakistan

Pakistan’s hosting rights had already been diluted by the controversial “Fusion Formula,” a hybrid model reluctantly accepted by the PCB. India’s refusal to play in Pakistan due to alleged security concerns forced the ICC to split the tournament venues. While Pakistan played host on its own soil, India played all its matches in Dubai. The compromise meant that while Pakistan was technically the host, it was India that benefited strategically by playing all games at a single venue in familiar conditions.

Pakistan’s stance on hosting the entire tournament on home soil had initially been firm. However, ICC’s pressure and prolonged negotiations led to PCB’s eventual acceptance of the hybrid model, a decision that weakened Pakistan’s authority and set a troubling precedent for future events.

Infrastructure

improvements: A rare silver lining

On the administrative front, one of PCB’s few successes was the significant improvement in Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure. Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi underwent major renovations to meet international standards. Security arrangements were meticulously planned and implemented, reinforcing Pakistan’s ability to host high-profile cricket tournaments. However, infrastructure alone cannot define a successful tournament – asserting administrative control and delivering a competitive team are equally crucial.

Selection blunders and the spin conundrum

One of the most baffling selection decisions was the exclusion of experienced spinners Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali. Given the spin-friendly conditions witnessed throughout the tournament, their omission was nothing short of a tactical blunder. India’s spin quartet of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign, dismantling opposition batting line-ups with ease.

Pakistan, historically known for producing world-class spinners, failed to capitalise on this advantage. Greats like Abdul Qadir, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Mushtaq Ahmed thrived regardless of pitch conditions, a legacy that should have guided selection choices. Instead, the PCB selectors overlooked proven performers, depriving the team of a much-needed edge.

The road ahead: Fixing Pakistan cricket

With the Champions Trophy 2025 now in the past, the PCB and the entire cricketing fraternity must reflect and rebuild. The lessons from this tournament are clear:

Assert Authority as Hosts: If Pakistan is to host major ICC events in the future, the PCB must establish firm control over administrative matters, ensuring that its role is not diminished by external influences.

Revamp Domestic Cricket: A strong domestic structure is the backbone of any successful cricketing nation. PCB must ensure fair elections for regional associations, eliminate fake clubs, and create a system that produces match-winning talent.

Selection Based on Merit, Not Politics: Selection policies must prioritise form, experience, and suitability to conditions rather than favoritism or external pressures.

Long-Term Vision for Team Development: The PCB needs a structured plan to nurture young talent, ensure consistency in team selection, and avoid hasty decisions that derail progress.

Avoid Emotional and Reactionary Decisions: Pakistan cricket has historically been plagued by impulsive leadership changes and abrupt overhauls. Stability and strategic planning are key to sustained success.

India’s triumph and

Pakistan’s regrets

While Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment, India emerged as the Champions Trophy winners, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final. Their spinners played a decisive role, with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy wreaking havoc on the Kiwi top order, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel choked runs in the middle overs.

Pakistan’s failure to recognize the importance of a strong spin attack and a cohesive game plan was evident throughout the tournament. The absence of strategic thinking, both on and off the field, cost the team dearly.

A moment of reckoning for PCB

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan cricket. The nation’s passion for the game remains unwavering, but passion alone is not enough. The PCB must learn from its mistakes, implement structural reforms, and ensure that the next time Pakistan hosts a major tournament, it does so with full authority and a team capable of delivering glory. Only then can Pakistan cricket truly reclaim its lost stature and rise as a formidable force in world cricket once again.

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