The clash of the titans

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign got off to a dismal start, with the Men in Green succumbing to defeat in the opening match. The team’s ODI winning streak, which had been going strong, was halted by a series loss to New Zealand. The lack of cohesion in the team is glaring, with internal conflicts and personal differences taking centre stage.

As we head into the high-stakes match against arch-rivals India, a closer look at the probable playing XI reveals a harsh reality – we’re relying on ‘home-track bullies’ who are touted as world-beaters only by our local media. But the world doesn’t buy that. In the cricketing fraternity, their reputation doesn’t extend beyond our shores.

Since 2024, the national team has played 12 ODI matches, winning 8 of them, which improved the team’s record. However, the loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener has left Pakistan’s cricket team reeling. Looking at the team’s recent performance, it’s clear that the Green Shirts’ journey in the Champions Trophy is nearing its end.

The team’s struggles began after losing the series to New Zealand. The match on February 23, dubbed the “Pak-India Clash” by the media, has become a mere formality. The national cricket team is under immense pressure after consecutive losses on home ground.

The Indian team, on the other hand, has no such psychological pressure. They recently defeated England 0-3 in a home ODI series, while Pakistan lost 1-2 in a home tri-series before the Champions Trophy. The Indian team has genuine “star power.”

Their batting line-up extends to number nine, featuring Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Furthermore, fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami will likely challenge Pakistan’s batting line-up.

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Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for final

The Indian team is currently second in the Champions Trophy points table with 0.408+ points (New Zealand also has the same points but is ranked first due to a better run rate). Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Pakistan have yet to score any points after losing both their matches (Bangladesh’s net run rate is still better than Pakistan’s, at 0.408- compared to Pakistan’s -1.200).

In this scenario, Pakistan has two more Group A matches to play: against India on February 23 and Bangladesh on February 27. If Pakistan loses to India, their Champions Trophy campaign will effectively come to an end. However, if the Green Shirts want to keep their tournament hopes alive, they must defeat India on February 23 and also win against Bangladesh (which is a daunting task, considering Bangladesh recently “whitewashed” Pakistan in the Test series).

To simplify this complex situation, consider this: even if Pakistan loses to India on February 23, their semi-final hopes will remain alive only if Bangladesh defeats New Zealand on February 24, which is highly unlikely.

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Legendary encounters of India vs Pakistan

Pakistan’s nine-year unbeaten streak against New Zealand in ICC events came to an end with their loss in the Champions Trophy opener. Pakistan’s last defeat to New Zealand was in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Additionally, Pakistan’s last loss to Bangladesh was in the 1999 World Cup. India’s record against Pakistan has been impressive since their 2017 Champions Trophy final win. Pakistan has not beaten India in any ICC event for eight years, which will undoubtedly put psychological pressure on the Pakistan team in their upcoming match on February 23.

The two traditional rivals last faced each other in the 2023 ODI World Cup and Asia Cup 2023, where India easily defeated Pakistan. Pakistan also suffered defeats to India in the 2018 Asia Cup (twice), 2019 World Cup, and 2023 World Cup and Asia Cup. The Green Shirts have a chance to settle the score against India in their February 23 match, but given their disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy so far, a win seems unlikely. 

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Rizwan’s Captaincy at stakes

Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, which he earned after much “hard work,” is now under scrutiny. His consistent poor performance in recent matches may cost him the captaincy crown in the coming days. It seems the “surgeon” has prepared the “operation theatre” and is now waiting for the “patient” (Rizwan) to be ready for “surgery.” As soon as the “patient” gets a “date” for the “operation,” the process will begin, and this won’t be an isolated case. Other “star players” whose careers are at stake will also be affected. The PCB chairman has built new stadiums, but perhaps no one told him that the same old players will be playing on these new grounds. The water has already risen above head level; it’s just a matter of a few days before the game is over!

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PCB Chairman couldn’t find players to play in the new stadiums

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has built new cricket stadiums, but he couldn’t decide who will play in them. A 15-member squad was announced with injured players, rendering it ineffective. Fakhar Zaman, who got injured while fielding in the first over of the match against New Zealand, will now miss the rest of the Champions Trophy due to severe rib pain. Imam-ul-Haq has joined the Pakistan squad as his replacement, after getting approval from the ICC, and will open against India.

Fakhar’s absence is a significant setback for Pakistan, particularly with their batting line-up already struggling. The team faces a crucial, do-or-die match against India on February 23. As Pakistan’s sole X-factor, Fakhar possessed the ability to turn matches around at any moment, but, now his absence may exacerbate the challenges facing Pakistan’s batting line-up. In the 15-member squad, Fakhar Zaman was the only X factor in this Champions Trophy campaign for Pakistan, the linchpin of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph with his unforgettable century in the final against India remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, Fakhar Zaman’s early exit from the tournament who was in top form and the selection committee and fans have had high expectations from him to be the ‘X-factor’ in this edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 is a massive blow to the team Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman’s recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, In the Champions T20 Cup last December; he was the third-highest run-scorer, accumulating 303 runs at a strike rate of 132.

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Pakistan’s pace duo, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have failed to live up to their expectations as these star bowlers have become mere shadows of their former selves, struggling to deliver the goods.

Naseem Shah’s dismal performance against New Zealand saw him concede 68 runs in 10 overs without claiming a single wicket. Haris Rauf, on the other hand, proved to be the most expensive bowler, leaking 83 runs for a mere two wickets. It’s worth noting that both Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have been plagued by injuries over the past two years.

Haris Rauf, who was discovered through a franchise’s talent hunt program, has struggled to replicate his past success, which was his hallmark. In 2023, he made headlines for refusing to play Test cricket for Pakistan, despite being part of the central contract. As per the rules, a player with a central contract cannot refuse to play for the board. However, Haris Rauf did just that, and his central contract was subsequently suspended. 

Despite this, the board eventually allowed him to return to the ODI team, citing reasons of expediency. Now, Haris Rauf’s expensive spell against New Zealand has made him Pakistan’s second-most expensive bowler in the Champions Trophy. His inability to contain runs and pick up wickets has raised serious concerns about his effectiveness in big-ticket tournaments. With Pakistan’s batting line-up already struggling, the team can ill afford to have its star bowlers underperforming.

As the Champions Trophy progresses, Pakistan will need its bowlers to step up and deliver if they hope to make a meaningful impact in the tournament.

The preferences of these players have shifted solely to T20 cricket, where they can earn more money in less time- Pakistan has become an afterthought in their priorities. The Pakistani media and public are fed up with their disappointing performances and are criticizing them for the right reasons.

Despite this, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains silent, watching the debacle unfold before 240 million people, now it’s time for drastic measures, as promised by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the T20 World Cup debacle last year.

Expecting the Green Shirts to defend their title in the ICC Champions Trophy is akin to living in a fool’s paradise. The spark that once characterized Pakistan’s batting and bowling line-ups is now missing. The 1990s were a golden era for Pakistani cricket when we had genuine stars, but, today, Green Shirts lack the fire that once drove them to victory.

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Aaqib Javed’s coaching howler

Head Coach Aaqib Javed has made a grave mistake by including all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the 15-member squad, which may prove costly for Team Pakistan in the remaining Champions Trophy matches.

Last week, Head Coach Aaqib Javed spoke out on Ashraf and Shah’s inclusion in the team, said:”This team will do very well in the Champions Trophy, people think there’s nothing in the team after losing one or two matches, but this team has everything to reach the top, we needed a spin all-rounder and a pace all-rounder, that’s why Khushdil and Fahim Ashraf are in the team, when you’re playing a tournament, you need variety.” 

Now we’re seeing the ‘variety’ with our own eyes unfolding before us in this Champions trophy. Javed’s logic is one thing, but former Pakistani cricketers, including Wasim Akram, do not agree with the idea that on Asian pitches, where other teams have two spinners, Pakistan has only one spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in the squad.

Javed also broke his silence on this issue and said, “You have to see the team balance, if you play two specialist spinners, you’ll have to go with two pacers, every team has one specialist spinner and one all-rounder”.

The Green Shirts are now facing the most crucial match of the Champions Trophy, the highly anticipated “Pak-India clash of the titans”, with all eyes on the Dubai match on February 23. India has a clear advantage based on records, having consistently dominated Pakistan in major ICC events. Despite this, Pakistan will be looking to turn the tables and create an upset. If Pakistan suffers another defeat at the hands of India, they will have to head home, and their semifinal qualification hopes will be dashed. This would be a significant setback for Pakistan cricket and the team, which has been struggling to find its footing in the tournament. 

The pressure is mounting on the Pakistan team, and they will need to put up a strong fight if they want to stay in contention. Empty claims of being champions and hosting the Champions Trophy are not enough; one needs to deliver results with hard work and determination. The game is won by playing, not just by making claims or relying on prayers.

Pakistan will need to put in a solid performance on the field, and the players will need to step up and take responsibility for their actions. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching the match. Will Pakistan be able to pull off an upset, or will India continue their dominance? Only time will tell.

By: Arslan Syed