Hosts Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has drawn sharp criticism, especially from former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir. Her candid remarks have sparked a broader debate about the team’s preparation and selection process.
A Disastrous Start
Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended prematurely after back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India in the group stage. Despite a final match against Bangladesh left to play, the team’s fate had already been sealed. Mir, who captained the women’s team for years, shared her thoughts on PTV Sports, stating that Pakistan’s downfall was determined before the tournament even started — with the squad announcement.
“I got a message from a friend while watching the match against India,” Mir said. “When the second wicket fell at 100, my friend said, ‘I think it’s over.’ I told him, ‘No, it was over when we announced the squad.’ We had already lost more than half the tournament the moment these 15 players were picked.”
A Team That Couldn’t Deliver
Mir didn’t hold back in criticizing the squad selection, stating that even the best captains couldn’t have salvaged the situation. She pointed out that even legends like MS Dhoni or Younis Khan would have struggled with this team.
“The squad isn’t suited to the conditions,” she said. “As Hafeez bhai mentioned, one match was bound to be in Dubai. So how did we enter the tournament with only two part-time spinners? Abrar is still new to ODIs, having taken only two wickets in the past five months.”
Questioning Selection Decisions
One of the biggest talking points was the omission of Mohammad Haris. Mir questioned the logic behind dropping the promising young player despite his ability to play with intent.
“We talk about intent, and that boy plays with it,” she said. “But you drop him after a few poor performances in the West Indies. How can you expect players to perform freely when selection is based on averages alone?”
Problems with Pakistan’s Cricket System
Pakistan’s squad faced uncertainty even before the tournament began. Saim Ayub was ruled out due to injury, while Fakhar Zaman was sidelined after the opening game. The much-anticipated pace attack featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf showed rust, and relying on part-time spinners backfired.
Mir pointed to deeper issues in Pakistan’s cricket system, urging for a complete overhaul. “Too much power is not good, and too little power is not good either. If we keep making the same mistakes, nothing will change,” she warned.
She criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its lack of meaningful reforms. “Whenever there’s a change in PCB, one person will come and tell everyone how domestic cricket should be. But the people below him stay silent, and nothing changes.”
A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy serves as a reminder that squad selection and a cohesive system are key to success in international cricket. It also highlights the importance of giving young players a chance to prove themselves rather than relying on averages and past performances. As the PCB looks ahead, it must reflect on these lessons to ensure a stronger future for the team.
The 2025 tournament may have been a failure, but it could be a turning point if Pakistan takes Mir’s criticisms to heart and works towards building a more balanced and competitive team.
