Only cricketing brains can put Pakistan cricket on right track Strong domestic system can help in raising match- winning Pakistan squads
Pakistan, after 29 years, had the opportunity to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. This was to be a momentous occasion, both for cricket enthusiasts and the nation, as Pakistan had not hosted an ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.
The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, with hopes of reviving Pakistan’s cricketing legacy and establishing the country as a modern cricket hub once again. However, as we stand today, the reality is far from what was expected. Pakistan will not only miss out on the chance to host the final of the Champions Trophy, but the team’s failure to reach the semifinals has compounded the disappointment.
The Initial Setback: India’s Reluctance and the Hybrid Model
From the outset, the planning and execution of the Champions Trophy 2025 faced hurdles. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), due to the prevailing political tensions, refused to send its team to Pakistan for the event. This led to a standoff that threatened the very fabric of the tournament’s logistics. Pakistan’s stance on the matter was clear: there would be no compromise on the venue, and it would host the event in its entirety, regardless of the absence of India.
However, this position left the ICC in a tight spot, and after months of negotiations, a compromise was struck — the “Fusion Formula,” which introduced a hybrid model. This model meant that if one of India or Pakistan was hosting an event, the two teams would play their matches in neutral countries. This decision, largely driven by India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan, left the event split between Pakistan and Dubai. Despite the setback, the PCB agreed to the arrangement, determined to make the Champions Trophy a resounding success.
The Organizational Challenge: Security and Infrastructure
Hosting an event of this magnitude comes with its own set of challenges, especially in a country like Pakistan, where the security situation has been a longstanding concern. The PCB, under the leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, left no stone unturned to ensure that the tournament would be executed flawlessly. Security arrangements were ramped up to unprecedented levels, with the safety of the players, officials, and spectators being the top priority. The PCB went to great lengths to assure the ICC and other stakeholders that Pakistan was fully equipped to handle such a high-profile event.
The cricketing infrastructure, too, underwent significant upgrades. Stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi were revamped to meet international standards. These improvements not only provided state-of-the-art facilities for the teams but also sent a clear message about Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the game domestically. The anticipation surrounding the tournament was building, with teams scheduled to visit the country well in advance to familiarize themselves with the venues.
The Opening Ceremony: A festive start amidst Uncertainty
On the eve of the Champions Trophy, Lahore hosted a grand and culturally rich inaugural ceremony at the Deewan-e-Aam of Lahore Fort. The event, held in a Mughal-era setting, featured performances from renowned artists like Atif Aslam, who delivered the official song of the tournament. The event symbolized the festive mood surrounding the competition, with top officials from the ICC and PCB in attendance. A similar ceremony took place at Karachi’s National Stadium before the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The events leading up to the Champions Trophy were indeed promising, but there was an underlying sense of unease. Despite the preparations, political tensions and the hybrid model had overshadowed the tournament’s excitement. The Champions Trophy was, for all intents and purposes, to be a beacon of cricketing revival in Pakistan. But the absence of the final and the ongoing political issues created a cloud over what should have been a moment of national pride.
Pakistan’s
disappointment:
A group stage exit
As the tournament progressed, the hopes of a successful hosting and a strong Pakistan team to go with it began to unravel. Despite an opening ceremony that set high expectations, Pakistan’s performance in the group stage was dismal. The team, which had been struggling for consistency in recent months, failed to make it to the semifinals.
Finishing last in Group A, Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament, while Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand advanced. This early exit not only dashed Pakistan’s hopes of a final appearance but also deprived the country of a chance to host the culmination of the tournament.
Meanwhile, India, despite their non-participation in the tournament’s group stages on Pakistani soil, were benefiting from the hybrid model by playing all their matches at one venue. This not only gave them a significant home advantage but also exposed the logistical challenges and disadvantages faced by teams having to play across multiple locations. The advantage for India was evident in their smooth progression through the tournament, culminating in their semifinal victory over South Africa.
The travel debacle: A critique of the ICC’s arrangements
While India played all their group stage matches at the same venue, the logistics for other teams proved to be an ongoing headache. South Africa’s David Miller, frustrated with the ICC’s travel arrangements, expressed his dissatisfaction after the team’s premature exit.
Having to fly back and forth between Dubai and Lahore amidst the tournament, Miller noted the strain that these extensive travel schedules placed on the players. While the ICC’s decision to provide South Africa with ample preparation time for their semifinal was commendable, the back-and-forth travel had its drawbacks.
Miller’s frustrations pointed to a broader issue within the tournament: the physical and mental toll of extensive travel on players. The situation called into question the effectiveness of the hybrid model, especially when it resulted in logistical challenges that hindered players’ ability to recover and perform at their best.
The Final: New Zealand’s chance
for Glory
Despite Pakistan’s exit, the Champions Trophy final, which had long been a symbol of hope and national pride, would be contested between New Zealand and India in Dubai. This final, although thrilling for cricket fans globally, was marred by the compromises that had led to its occurrence away from Pakistan. New Zealand, who had also faced the challenges of playing across multiple venues, now had the opportunity to claim their maiden Champions Trophy title. However, it was India, benefiting from the hybrid model, who were arguably in the best position to win the tournament.
Reflections and the road ahead for
Pakistan cricket
With the Champions Trophy 2025 now nearing its conclusion, the PCB, and indeed the entire nation, must reflect on the events that transpired. The failure to host the final, coupled with Pakistan’s inability to defend the title, has highlighted significant challenges within Pakistan cricket. From the hybrid model imposed by the ICC due to India’s refusal to participate in Pakistan, to the team’s lackluster performance, it is evident that major changes are needed.
The PCB must learn from its mistakes, both in terms of event management and team selection. The country’s domestic system requires a major overhaul to be strong, with more emphasis on fair elections for regional associations and the elimination of fake clubs. Moreover, emotional and hasty decisions must be avoided if Pakistan is to regain its position in global cricket. Pakistan now need cricketing brains who can put declining Pakistan cricket on right track.
Cricket in Pakistan, like any other sport, is built on resilience. The nation has faced numerous setbacks in the past, only to rise again. The challenges of the 2025 Champions Trophy may be distressing, but they do not signal the end of Pakistan’s cricketing journey. With the right leadership, a focus on building domestic infrastructure, and a concerted effort to restore unity within the cricketing community, Pakistan can emerge stronger and more competitive in the future.
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