Thu Feb 27 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Campaign Ends in Disarray Amidst Internal Conflict

**Dubai, UAE** – Defending champions Pakistan suffered a humiliating early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, crashing out in the group stage after losses to New Zealand and India. The team’s elimination was confirmed following New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh on February 24th, leaving Pakistan with an insurmountable deficit.

The team’s poor performance has been attributed to a reported internal conflict between captain Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aaqib Javed. Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) claim Rizwan was frustrated by a lack of consultation on key decisions, citing the selection of Faheem Ashraf over his preferred choice, Khushdil Shah, as a prime example. Furthermore, it’s alleged that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recommendations for squad changes were ignored. Despite the turmoil, Naqvi opted against disciplinary action.

Pakistan’s struggles extended beyond internal disputes. The team displayed a lackluster batting performance, marked by an excessive number of dot balls (161 against New Zealand, 147 against India) and poor shot selection. The absence of injured opener Fakhar Zaman further hampered their efforts, while key players like Babar Azam and Rizwan underperformed. Even the usually formidable pace attack appeared ineffective.

This marks Pakistan’s third consecutive group-stage exit in major white-ball tournaments, following early eliminations in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup. The team’s consistent underperformance has fueled calls for sweeping changes within the Pakistan cricket structure, from the top down. Analysts point to the team’s persistent instability, with frequent changes in coaching staff, selectors, and captains over the past three years, as a major contributing factor to their decline. Pakistan will play Bangladesh in a meaningless final group game on Thursday.

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