Javed Miandad launches a heavy attack on Pakistan players; hurts them financially

Former captain and batting great Javed Miandad has lashed out at the Mohammad Rizwan-led team after being eliminated from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former cricketer stated that players should also be held accountable instead of blaming the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and selectors.

Pakistan's early exit has sparked criticism, with fingers pointed at the PCB and selectors. The team suffered heavy defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India and was eliminated from the tournament. Pakistan is currently hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup.

Question Is, Are These Selected Players Short on Anything? - Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad questioned Pakistan's players' professionalism, adding that blaming the system and selectors is useless. He stated that professionalism is needed to perform in major matches and tournaments.

"It is useless blaming the system, selectors and all that," Javed Miandad is quoted as saying by PTI. "The question is are these selected players short on anything? Does not the PCB take care of them? Are they not paid enough? So where is the passion and fire and professionalism to perform in big matches and tournaments."

Pakistan cricket has seen frequent changes in leadership and management over the past three years. The team has had 26 selectors, four different captains, and eight head coaches.

Players Were Under Pressure Even Before the Match Began - Javed Miandad

The 67-year-old said that Pakistan's players showed signs of pressure even before the match started. He pointed out that none of them seemed intent on taking control against India's bowlers.

"Truth is our players were under pressure even before the match began. Look at their body language, not one of them appeared to be in a mood to dominate Indian bowlers," Javed Miandad said.

Pakistan's batters didn't show intent during their defeat to India. They managed only 241 runs before being bowled out in 49.4 overs. India comfortably chased the target in 42.3 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 100. The next day, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh to confirm Pakistan's first-round exit.

Pakistan felt the absence of key opener Fakhar Zaman, who was unavailable for the match against India. Imam-ul-Haq replaced him but managed only 10 runs off 26 balls before being run out.

The team also missed Saim Ayub, an aggressive batter, in the tournament. Fakhar and Ayub are considered two of Pakistan's most explosive hitters, and their absence weakened the batting lineup.

India and New Zealand Secured Semi-Final Spots From Group A

Pakistan suffered consecutive defeats during the Champions Trophy. They lost the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi. The Men in Green had to defeat India in a must-win match but failed to beat the arch-rivals.

Their early elimination was especially disheartening for fans, as Pakistan was hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. Social media was flooded with memes mocking the team's poor performance.

Meanwhile, India and New Zealand secured semi-final spots from Group A with two wins each, while Pakistan and Bangladesh were knocked out after failing to win a single game.

Also read: Nasser Hussain attacks team India after England's chances in Champions Trophy 2025 look bleak