Rizwan Admits Disappointment Over Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Performance

Pakistan’s journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy ended on a sour note with a washout against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed his team’s disappointment, acknowledging that their performance throughout the tournament fell below expectations.

The team, which also hosted the event and entered as defending champions, suffered early setbacks.

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs, and India followed with a six-wicket victory, ending Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals.

Disappointment & Reflections

“We wanted to do well and perform in front of our nation. The expectations were very high, but we didn’t perform well, and it was disappointing,” Rizwan stated.

He emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes and hoped the team could improve.

He also reflected on the lessons learned from their matches, particularly the one against New Zealand, and expressed hope for better performance in future tours, including their upcoming series in New Zealand.

Injuries & Team Dynamics

Rizwan refused to use injuries as an excuse for the team’s poor form, despite the absence of key players such as Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.

“Yes, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were injured, but we will learn from this,” Rizwan highlighted that while injuries can affect team dynamics, they should not justify a lack of performance.

When questioned about Pakistan’s bench strength, Rizwan highlighted the need for more professionalism in the country’s cricketing system.

He acknowledged the gaps in Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem and called for improvements to elevate the standard of play.

Rizwan emphasized that awareness and professionalism are key to achieving higher standards in the future.

As Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign ended on a disappointing note, Rizwan’s focus now shifts to future improvements, both in team performance and the overall cricketing structure.

Despite the setback, he remains hopeful and committed to improving the team’s standing on the international stage.

Also Read: England Vs Afghanistan: Do-Or-Die Clash In ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025