Pakistan made a dismal exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, becoming the first host nation in history to not win a match. After losses to New Zealand and India, rain led to their final match against Bangladesh being canceled. Their performance starkly contrasts with previous host nations, marking a significant low point as defending champions.
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan made history for an unfortunate reason, becoming the first host nation to exit the tournament without securing a single victory. The team suffered consecutive losses to New Zealand and India, with the final Group A match against Bangladesh being canceled due to rain, culminating in a dismal performance. Such a record casts a shadow over their previous history in the tournament where host nations typically fared better.
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s campaign began on February 19 with a disappointing loss to New Zealand by 60 runs, followed by a further defeat to India on February 23, losing by six wickets. Their aspirations of ending with a win in Rawalpindi on February 27 were dashed when rain intervened, preventing the match from taking place. This marked a significant low point in Pakistan’s cricket history, particularly given their status as the defending champions.
Looking at past performances, only Sri Lanka has managed to win the Champions Trophy as a host in 2002. Notably, while Kenya also failed to win in 2000, they participated in a playoff stage prior to the main tournament, which is not the case for Pakistan in 2025. Furthermore, Pakistan’s exit follows a resounding title defense collapse that took place within less than a week of their tournament commencement.
As for the overall context of the tournament, teams such as India and New Zealand have advanced to the semifinals, each securing two victories in Group A with four points. The semifinal matches are set for early March, while the grand finale is scheduled for March 9. Pakistan’s failure to produce a win has undoubtedly marred what should have been a memorable return of an ICC event to the nation since the 1996 World Cup.
In summary, Pakistan’s performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was historic for all the wrong reasons, as they became the first host nation to exit a Champions Trophy without a win. The team’s inability to secure victories against formidable opponents and the subsequent wash-out against Bangladesh signifies a challenging chapter in their cricket legacy. The tournament will now continue, with India and New Zealand advancing to the semifinals, leaving Pakistan’s hopes dashed and its record tarnished.
Original Source: www.news18.com
