The Pakistan cricket team is set to finish last in the 2025 Champions Trophy, with a run-rate of -1.087 following an unplayed match with Bangladesh due to rain. This outcome mirrored a tournament marked by defeats and culminated in Wasim Akram’s critical remarks about the lack of pride in their performance. Both teams exit the tournament without any wins, facing scrutiny for their disappointing displays.
The Pakistan cricket team is poised to finish last in the 2025 Champions Trophy, having a net run-rate of -1.087, the lowest among the eight competing teams. The final match against Bangladesh was symbolic of their unsuccessful campaigns, which ended in a washing out, as no toss occurred due to the rain. With this result, both Pakistan and Bangladesh had already been eliminated from the quarter-final race, with each team losing their opening games.
Renowned cricketer Wasim Akram commented on the significance of pride in competition, stating, “What pride? I told you not to ask me this question. You play for pride when you have qualification going through your mind. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh will go home after this match. Just play and go home.” His remarks highlight the disappointment surrounding Pakistan’s performance as defending champions.
Despite holding the title, Pakistan’s campaign ended with only one point from three matches, surpassing Australia’s record for the worst-ever finish as defending champions. Notably, Australia concluded the 2013 edition with a single point and a net run rate of -0.680, while Pakistan’s current -1.087 reflects their struggles.
The clash against Bangladesh, hosted in Rawalpindi, was one of two matches canceled without play due to rain, a historic disappointing outcome for Pakistan in their first ICC tournament as hosts in nearly three decades. Consequently, neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh achieved a victory in the tournament and will leave with significant introspection ahead.
The Pakistani team’s disappointing performance garnered criticism, particularly stemming from a six-wicket defeat by their rivals, India, earlier in the tournament. This latest washout is a result that underscores the challenges they faced throughout this year’s Champions Trophy.
In summary, Pakistan’s cricket team faced an abysmal performance during the 2025 Champions Trophy, finishing last among all teams with a dismal record. Wasim Akram’s blunt remarks reflected the disappointment as the team exited without any victories. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh must now reflect on their shortcomings as they prepare to return home, having concluded a tournament marked by challenges and missed opportunities.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
