Pakistan Captain Mohammad Rizwan commented on the team’s disappointing exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to losses against New Zealand and India. A rainout in the match against Bangladesh sealed a winless campaign. Rizwan acknowledged the need for improvement and lessons learned, while assistant coach Azhar Mahmood noted injuries and pressure played significant roles. Overall, both teams ended the tournament without victories and will need to reevaluate for future challenges.
Pakistan’s Captain Mohammad Rizwan recently provided an unusual account regarding his team’s exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. After suffering defeats to New Zealand and India, Pakistan found themselves unable to proceed beyond the group stage. A match against Bangladesh was ultimately abandoned due to persistent rain, concluding their unfortunate campaign without securing a single victory.
The rain at Rawalpindi prevented any gameplay, as authorities called off the match two hours past the scheduled start due to worsening conditions, leaving both teams with a solitary point. This incident marked the second match in Rawalpindi that was canceled without play this week, leading to frustration among local fans, who had high hopes for the competition.
Captain Rizwan expressed disappointment about the team’s performance in front of their support, stating, “We wanted to do well and perform well in front of our nation. The expectations are very high. We didn’t perform well, and it is disappointing for us.” He emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes moving forward, particularly as they prepare for an upcoming tour to New Zealand.
Azhar Mahmood, the assistant coach, attributed the team’s struggles to injuries among key players and indicated that excessive pressure affected their performance against India. He noted, “We know where we need to improve. It is all about adapting and taking responsibility. The results have also been a surprise for us.”
The absence of key players, such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, severely impacted the team’s dynamics. Rizwan remarked, “One side you can say that the team is disturbed, but this is no excuse. Yes, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were injured, but we will learn from this,” acknowledging the crucial need for growth and hard work in the future.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, concluding their tournament without a victory, expressed hope for better outcomes. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto voiced disappointment about the match cancellation but remained optimistic, stating: “We hope we can learn from our mistakes. We will make a proper plan and execute the plan.” He also expressed confidence in their fast bowling unit’s potential for future success.
Although both teams left the tournament winless, the lessons learned will be essential as they move forward in their cricketing endeavors, with aspirations of improvement and success in subsequent matches.
In summary, Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy resulted in an early exit, marked by injuries and mounting pressure. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s reflections on the team’s failures highlight the need for learning and adaptation. Similarly, Bangladesh also faced challenges, concluding the tournament without a victory. Both teams must focus on future opportunities for growth and development in international cricket.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
