Former head coach Jason Gillespie believes that the inclusion of rookie batter Irfan Khan Niazi and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem could have significantly benefited Pakistan during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
In a recent interview, Gillespie lauded the 20-year-old left-arm spinner, describing him as a player with immense potential who could become a key figure in Pakistan cricket if given the right opportunities.
"Sufiyan Muqeem is a very talented cricketer who, if given the right opportunities, can be a great servant for Pakistan cricket. Already in his short international career, he has shown that he has the skills and temperament to play at the highest level," Gillespie said.
Sufiyan Muqeem, who made his international debut last year, has impressed cricketing pundits with his ability to bowl with control and pick up crucial wickets in pressure situations. His performances in the Asia Cup 2024 and subsequent bilateral series earned him praise for his maturity and composure, despite his young age.
"For the selectors and team management to leave him (Sufiyan Muqeem) out and only go into the Champions Trophy with one proper spinner was a glaring mistake," Gillespie remarked.
Pakistan's campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been far from ideal. The team suffered back-to-back defeats against India and New Zealand, leading to their early elimination from the tournament.
Pakistan's campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 came to an abrupt end after suffering defeats in both of their group-stage matches against New Zealand and India.
The Green Shirts, who won the tournament in 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed's captaincy, began their title defense against New Zealand. However, having already lost twice to the Blackcaps in a recent tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa, Pakistan struggled again.
On Sunday, New Zealand secured their spot in the semifinals alongside India after defeating Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, with both teams earning four points from their two victories.
Apart from that, in a must-win clash against arch-rivals India in Dubai, Pakistan's batting faltered once again, as they went on to suffer a six-wicket defeat courtesy of Virat Kohli's brilliant century. With two losses, Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the semifinals became dependent on other Group A results. However, New Zealand's win over Bangladesh officially ended their campaign.
Despite their elimination, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
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