Cricket fiasco

Poor selection and an uninspiring display both on and off the field are to be blamed for Pakistan’s group stage exit in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. It is mind boggling how this very team was able to defeat Australia and South Africa in their respective back yards in the lead up to this tournament, but failed to defend the title on their own home soil. Clearly, with only one spinner and a make-shift opening pair, the team lacked clarity in their approach.

The selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah appears to suggest factors other than cricketing ability. If their performance in franchise cricket was what got them on the team, it was a recipe for disaster. Accountability needs to start from the top if we are to get better results going forward.

Touqeer W Chishty

Lahore