https://arab.news/9x3dh
- Pakistan stare at almost-certain first round Champions Trophy elimination following loss to India
- Passionate fans demand cricket board move beyond “familiar faces,” introduce fresh talent to squad
ISLAMABAD: Angry and dejected Pakistan fans demanded the country’s cricket stars be held accountable for the national squad’s lackluster performance against India on Sunday, which led to a crushing defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals in the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.
Thousands of cricket fans across Pakistan set up large screens on Sunday to watch subcontinent rivals India and Pakistan square off in Dubai. India ended up winning the contest by six wickets, cruising to a comfortable win largely due to the efforts of former captain Virat Kohli, who scored a century to mark his comeback after a slump in form.
Hosts and defending champions Pakistan lost their second consecutive match of the tournament on Sunday. They stare at an almost first-round elimination, leaving passionate cricket fans angry, hurt and dejected.
“We’re always praying for Pakistan’s success, but prayers alone aren’t enough,” Iqra Tahir, a cricket fan in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, told Reuters. “We need to focus on improving our performance. It’s time for us to take responsibility and work on our game.”
Sufyan, another supporter from Karachi, wore an Indian cricket jersey to the match. He said Pakistan lost as the team lacked hard work, skill and fitness, praising Kohli for his stellar knock.
“You can’t match Kohli’s skill and form. He was due for a comeback after a year-long slump, and predictably, he scored a century against Pakistan,” Sufyan said.
Rimsha Tahir from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad said fans had high hopes from the national team, which were not fulfilled due to both poor batting and bowling.
“I urge the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman to introduce fresh talent, moving beyond familiar faces to revitalize our game,” she said.
Huzaifa Shahsawar, another fan from Islamabad, agreed. He pointed to Pakistan’s “subpar” fielding.
“The team desperately needs re-training and accountability for their performance, which has left fans emotionally devastated,” he said.
Pakistan’s title defense hangs by a thread following their defeat to India. The green shirts’ theoretical chances of making the last four will depend on other results.