Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 title defence was jeopardized after the team suffered back-to-back defeats in their Group A fixtures against New Zealand and arch-rivals India.
On Monday (February 24), the Men in Green were officially knocked out of the semi-final race following New Zealand’s five-wicket win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
This outcome has left the Pakistan cricket fraternity dejected, with many experts and former cricketers calling for a complete overhaul of the team's approach and mindset.
Meanwhile, a report published in PTI claims that the PCB officials are not pleased with the performance as well but they will not take any action until the tournament is over.
"But, looking at the larger picture, which is the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy and to ensure it brings positive publicity for Pakistan cricket as a host nation, it has been decided to say nothing on the team's performance for now," a source close to the PCB told the news agency.
He said internally it had been agreed not to discuss the team, selection or future plans, as it would only divert attention from the tournament and "bring negative headlines" for Pakistan cricket.
"As it is, even the board leadership realises there is no excuse or defence that can be given for the team's abject failure in the event," the source said.
The source explained that the PCB sees the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy as the gateway to bringing more international events to Pakistan. However, he conceded that there would be a complete review of how and where things had gone wrong after the tournament was over.
Pakistan are due to travel to New Zealand for a white-ball series from March 15, and Aaqib Javed's contract as interim head coach will end with Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh on February 27.
"So, definitely, the board will have to name a head coach for the NZ tour, but that appointment could also be of interim nature, someone from the national high performance centre since the PCB has not started the process of appointing a permanent head coach."
As per the source, the PCB will most likely appoint a new head coach before the start of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle from August this year.
