The ICC Champion 2025 Championship trophy has become a nightmare for Pakistan’s host country, with Pakistan being eliminated after being defeated against India in New Zealand and India’s Arch. The six-door loss that defeated India not only sealed Pakistan’s fate, but also reduced the debate around their power on the bench. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has added fuel to the fire and made a cruel judgment questioning whether even the Indian B team can beat Pakistan in its current form.
Pakistan’s frustrating performance: two crushing defeats, early exit
The Green Man entered the game with high hopes and was supported by a family advantage and enthusiastic fan base. However, their campaign quickly disappeared. At the opening ceremony, he suffered 60 wins over New Zealand in the batting and bowling divisions. Their vulnerability is further revealed when they face India in a must-win match.
Pakistan struggled to increase its competitive total, falling to 241 in 49.4 matches. Mohammad Rizwan, who started from the border, had a strike rate of less than 60, reflecting Pakistan’s lack of intentions. In response, India carried out a lightweight job of chasing, reaching its goal in 42.3 matches, with Virat Kohli leading from the front with a majestic unbeaten century. Due to this result and New Zealand’s subsequent victory over Bangladesh, Pakistan’s exports were confirmed to be in the match for only six days.
Sunil Gavaskar’s stern analysis
Sunil Gavaskar spoke at today’s campaign without saying anything in the struggle to assess Pakistan. He expressed surprise at the lack of depth, saying, “I think Team B can certainly make money for Pakistan. Team C, I’m not sure. But Team B will be very, very difficult to beat Pakistan in its current form.”
Gavaskar noted that Pakistan is historically known for producing naturally gifted cricket, but this trend seems to have declined in recent years. “Surprisingly – lack of a bench. Pakistan always has natural talent. They may not always be technically perfect, but they have an instinctive understanding of the game. For example, look at Inzamam-ul-Haq . His position is not something you teach a young man, but his temperament is very big, and it will all be different.”
Pakistan’s bench strength is under review
The speech of the legendary Indian has once again attracted the attention of Pakistan’s cricket structure. Despite the Pakistan Premier League (PSL) and domestic white ball games, the team has not developed a range of young, matching players. Gavaskar compared this with India’s success in developing talent through IPL, which has unearthed many stars who have seamlessly transitioned to international cricket.
“How does India produce so many young stars in white cricket? This is because of the IPL. Players there continue to play in the Ranji trophy and eventually to India. Pakistan cricket must analyze why they no longer have the bench strength they once did once. .” Gawasca emphasized.
A lack of key players or a deeper crisis?
The struggle in Pakistan has been intensified by the absence of major players such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. However, the greater concern is that quality alternatives cannot be found. Imam-ul-Haq was brought into Fakhar’s replacement, running only 10 goals 10 times before running his own game, emphasizing the lack of form and confidence.
Gavaskar noted that while missing star players may affect any team, the real problem is that Pakistan cannot develop a second-string cricketer who can be strengthened when needed. The Indian cricket system has the risk of a strong domestic foundation and a high pressure T20 league, allowing even their marginal players to reach the highest level.
