Azhar Mahmood attacks Wasim Akram & other critics, blames injuries for Pakistan's CT 2025 disaster

Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood admitted that Pakistan haven’t performed well in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is taking place in Pakistan and Dubai. Mahmood stated that the Mohammad Rizwan-led team has played good cricket in the format, but injuries have affected their campaign.

Pakistan's struggles in ICC events continued with their early exit from the Champions Trophy. They failed to finish in the top two in the Group A table. It was their third consecutive group-stage elimination, following disappointing performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Eliminated from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan started their campaign with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi. They had to defeat India in their next match to stay in the race for the semi-finals. However, they were outplayed by India in a must-win match. Following New Zealand's victory over Bangladesh, Pakistan were officially eliminated.

Pakistan are scheduled to face Bangladesh in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy in Rawalpindi on Thursday, February 27. The match holds no significance as both teams have already been eliminated. However, the match has been delayed due to the rain, and even the toss is yet to take place.

Against India, We Took a Lot of Pressure on Ourselves - Azhar Mahmood

Speaking about the weather in Rawalpindi, Azhar Mahmood said it was difficult to predict if the match would proceed as planned. He also noted that the team put excessive pressure on themselves against India and emphasized the need to adapt and take responsibility moving forward.

"I can't predict Pindi weather. It is not looking great. We might get some game out it, no one knows. We haven't played well in this tournament," Azhar Mahmood said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"We have played good cricket in this format, but in the tournament it has not gone well because of injuries. Against India we took a lot of pressure on ourselves. But we know where we need to improve. It is all about adapting and taking responsibility," he added.

How Much Chopping and Changing Has Happened - Azhar Mahmood

Azhar Mahmood admitted that the team's repeated failures have been disappointing. He emphasized that the constant chopping and changing in the squad has hurt the team's progress. Mahmood stated that selections should be based on long-term planning rather than short-term results.

"Aaqib nailed his press conference yesterday. It is always tough. We haven't play well in ICC tournaments in the last four times. It has been shocking for us. But you see how much chopping and changing that has happened, it is not ideal. We need to trust," Mahmood continued.

"There is a lot of pressure when playing international cricket. If you give anyone a chance, give them for six to eight months, and you will get results. Whoever might be. Here you have two bad games, people say drop them. You can take 6 months to identify the talent, but you need to stick with that," he concluded.

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