New Zealand’s five-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday knocked hosts Pakistan out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while propelling India into the semifinals. The Kiwis, who chased down 237 against Bangladesh with 23 balls to spare, thus winning both their matches so far, also advanced to the last four stage from Group A.
On February 23, India outclassed Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, chasing down 242 with 45 balls to spare. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a brilliant 51st ODI hundred, while Shubman Gill (46) and Shreyas Iyer (56) provided able support. Earlier, Indian bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31), kept a tight leash on the Pakistani batters to restrict them to a below-par total.
Pakistan, who are hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup, are facing a massive backlash for yet another loss to India, and the early exit. The first casualty of Pakistan’s disastrous campaign is likely to be interim head coach Aaqib Javed, PTI quoted a PCB source as saying. The support staff, too, is set to be shown the door.
There are also speculations that Pakistan might consider having separate head coaches for the red- and white-ball teams. Also, Naqvi is expected to consult with the Board of Governors on whether to retain the national selectors or not.
Frequent chopping and changing of coaches is not helping Pakistan
After Gary Kirsten resigned as the Pakistan head coach last year, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi appointed Javed as the interim head coach.
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He was first put in charge of the white-ball team and was later asked to take over as the red-ball coach too for the away series against South Africa and home series against the West Indies, after Australian Jason Gillespie too quit.
PTI quoted the source as saying that the PCB will appoint a permanent coach and support staff before the tour of New Zealand from March 16 to April 5, where Pakistan will play five T20Is and three ODIs.
