Thu Feb 27 09:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Campaign Ends in Disgrace After Rain-Ruined Match
**Rawalpindi, Pakistan:** Pakistan’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy ended in ignominious fashion after their final group stage match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain. The washout means Pakistan finished bottom of Group A without a single win, securing only one point with a net run rate of -1.087.
This result marks a shameful record for Pakistan, becoming the first host nation since the group stage’s inception in 2002 to finish without a victory. They join Kenya (2000) as the only host nations to exit the Champions Trophy without a win. Furthermore, they are only the second team after South Africa (2009) to finish bottom of their group. Mirroring Australia’s fate in 2013, Pakistan, the 2017 champions, also suffered a rain-affected match which contributed to their winless campaign.
Pakistan’s tournament began with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Multan, followed by a 6-wicket defeat against India in Dubai. Their elimination from semi-final contention was confirmed after New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s team leaves the tournament with a bitter taste and a record they will be keen to forget. The political climate in Maharashtra, India is also undergoing significant shifts, with several political meetings generating speculation about potential changes in the state government.
First Piper 