Pakistan suffered back-to-back defeats in their Champions Trophy 2025 Group A fixtures against New Zealand and India. As a result, the Men in Green put themselves in a tough spot to make it to the semis.

New Zealand’s five-wicket win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday (February 24) was the final nail in the coffin as Pakistan were officially knocked out of the semi-final race.

This outcome has sparked strong reactions from the Pakistan cricket fraternity, with many calling for a complete overhaul of the team.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Sikander Bakht has launched a scathing attack on Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan, saying that the latter was never the right choice for the captaincy as he doesn't know how to speak or express himself.

Sikander further stated that Rizwan’s predecessor Babar Azam was also never the right choice for the leadership role.

“Firstly, Mohammad Rizwan should resign as the captain. Whenever he speaks, I am not able to understand what he says. A person who cannot speak or express himself, what sort of a captain would he be?” Sikander Bakht told Geo News.

“We have seen his captaincy on the field. He is a bad choice to be the captain. I said the same about Babar Azam as well,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Champions Trophy 2025 is the third consecutive ICC event where Pakistan have not managed to reach the semi-finals. Earlier, the Men in Green suffered group stage exits in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.

“We have to make changes. End their central contracts. Don't give them central contracts till the team starts performing,” Sikander said.

“There should be some performance. In corporate setup, you are given a task. If you don't do it, you are asked to pack up and leave,” he remarked.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their last group match in Rawalpindi on Thursday (February 27).