Pakistan cricket’s journey over the past year has been a tale of resilience, strategy, and bold decision-making. From the gloom of crushing defeats to the hope of revival, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has laid a foundation for sustained success, notably as the host nation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The turning point came during England’s last visit to Pakistan, where the home side suffered a humiliating innings defeat in the first Test in Multan. The setback was a wake-up call, leading the PCB to reassess its approach. Under a new selection committee and interim head coach Aaqib Javed, Pakistan adopted a spin-heavy strategy, leveraging home conditions for the remaining two Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi.

This recalibration bore fruit, with Pakistan securing a historic series win - their first at home since February 2021. Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kamran Ghulam, and Saud Shakeel stepped up, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.

Thus Pakistan’s selectors and team management, having a positive approach, then picked a balanced side for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.

The squads for these tours included emerging faces which could be good back-ups for the leading and top players in future too.

Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan squad for the said tours included six uncapped players - Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub.

The selectors also included the uncapped duo of Jahandad Khan and Agha Salman in the T20I squads.

In Australian ODIs, Pakistan after losing the first one, bounced back and won the remaining two ODIs to clinch the series 2-1 on Australian soil. This series win gave Pakistan side a great confidence boost for the forthcoming Champions Trophy.

Pakistani youngsters did fight in the Australian T20 series but finally the hosts prevailed.

Pakistan did not start well in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, losing the first rain-marred encounter by 80 runs.

Agha Salman and young spinner Faisal Akram did well with the ball as Zimbabwe managed to post 205 before reducing the visitors to 60/6 when rain eventually stopped play. The rain-affected match was ultimately decided on DLS method with the hosts emerging victorious.

Pakistan bounced back to win the second ODI convincingly by 10 wickets to level the ODI series. Opener Saim Ayub with an attacking unbeaten century justified the confidence of selectors reposed in him after spinners Abrar Ahmad and Agha Salman Ali had restricted the visitors to just 145.

Things again went in Pakistan’s favour in the third and final ODI. This time it was fast improving Kamran Ghulam who turned the things in Pakistan’ favour with a brilliant ton along with Abdullah Shafiq’s half century in Pakistan’s innings of 303/6 in 50 overs. Then Pakistan bowlers never let the hosts recover, winning by 99 runs.

Thus Pakistan won the Zimbabwe ODI series 2-1.

Pakistan side after gaining this confidence, no doubt, is likely to do well in the challenges ahead including the Champions Trophy 2025.

Building Momentum for Champions Trophy

The victory against England not only boosted morale but also set the tone for upcoming challenges, including tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. These tours, although not headline-grabbing, served as crucial preparatory stages for the Champions Trophy.

During the Zimbabwe ODI series, Pakistan displayed a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Kamran Ghulam’s match-winning century in the final game stood out as a testament to the team’s evolving approach.

The bowlers, too, played pivotal roles, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with clinical precision. Top government officials and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the team’s collective effort, emphasising the importance of playing with passion and cohesion.

The Political Context of the Champions Trophy

While Pakistan’s on-field preparations continue, the Champions Trophy faces uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions. India’s reluctance to send its team to Pakistan has raised questions about the tournament’s format. Proposals such as a hybrid model, with India’s matches held in a neutral venue like the UAE, have been floated. However, the PCB has firmly opposed this arrangement, emphasising its right to host all matches in Pakistan.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has assured fans and stakeholders that Pakistan will not compromise on its cricketing interests. The board has also rejected financial compensation in exchange for diluted hosting rights, underscoring its commitment to showcasing the nation’s cricketing infrastructure and spirit.

A Blueprint for Success

For Pakistan to thrive in the Champions Trophy and beyond, consistency remains key. Away tours like those to Australia and Zimbabwe highlighted the need for a balanced squad capable of adapting to varying conditions. Seamers, spinners, and batters who can anchor innings must all play their roles.

The PCB’s proactive approach, from nurturing young talent to strengthening team dynamics, reflects a forward-thinking vision. As the countdown to the Champions Trophy begins, Pakistan cricket seems poised to reclaim its place among the world’s elite.