The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is turning out to be a mega disaster for Pakistan, both on the ground and off-the-field. There were many eyes scrutinizing the nation’s moves long before the tournament started considering its shoddy track record and the dark clouds of terrorism looming over foreign cricketers as well as tourists. But instead of alleying concerns and improving its malignant image, Pakistan’s reputation has taken a major blow on account of major blunders, continued presence of radical as well as terrorising elements putting cricketers’ lives in dangerous and gross mismanagement in giving even half a decent pictures to host International level matches.
When the ICC tournament was fast approaching, the construction of the stadiums was way behind schedule. Pakistan’s laggard performance had forced the ICC representatives to repeatedly visit Pakistan to assess progress and press on it to do the needful. The PCB did assure that deadlines were being met, only to keep missing them, with requests for extensions becoming a routine. The event eventually started under immense pressure, but it wasn’t long before new problems emerged.
A viral video has highlighted some of the worst issues at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, one of the main venues for the Champions Trophy. Far worse, the cities have had their share of the damage: the drips from the overhead leaks inside the stadium added to a nightmarish mess for cricket fans and players. It is also reported that, apart from the all-pervasive leaking roof, the stadium possesses an abysmal drainage system that is blamed for high flooding during matches. The shoddy groundwork of the stadium after the huge cost escalation of PNR 570 crore has left the fans annoyed as they do not have even basic facilities.
🚨After spending ₹1,800 Cr (initial budget: ₹1,230 Cr) on stadium renovations for Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s stadiums are in pathetic condition!
-Ceiling leaks during rain
-Water flowing everywhere
-Match cancelled due to a flooded outfieldWhere did all the money go?… pic.twitter.com/i409Rn87ku
— BALA (@erbmjha) March 2, 2025
On the field, Pakistan had equally miserable performances. The defending champions and hosts were expected to at least put a decent show, but they flopped big time even in the group stages. Pakistan started with a loss to New Zealand, then suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of their arch-rival India in Dubai. Their misfortune continued with rain stopping their last match against Bangladesh, thereby forcing both sides to share a point. This early exit from the tournament has sparked widespread calls to overhaul the team and PCB, with even the future of Babar Azam in question.
Furthermore, in a major security breach that could by itself tantamount to stripping the hosting rights from Pakistan, a Pakistani spectator had recently stormed the stadium security during one of the ICT matches. He ran dangerously close to a New Zealand’s Hindu cricketer Rachin Ravindra all the while holding a picture of a terrorist in his hand, exhibiting the extent of radicaliasation in Pakistan.
In light of these multiple failures, the ICC may need to step in and review Pakistan’s handling of the tournament. As the PCB faces mounting pressure, one thing is certain: the road ahead will be difficult for Pakistan’s cricket board.
