Pakistan, Bangladesh end campaigns with washout

The match nine of the ICC Champions Trophy between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been called off without a ball bowled in Rawalpindi due to continuous rain on Thursday.

Both teams end their disappointing campaigns with a point each, with hosts Pakistan finishing at the bottom of Group A.

One match remains in Group A, with India and New Zealand contesting top spot in the group in Dubai on Sunday. Both those teams, of course, are already through to the semi-finals.

Pakistan, despite being the tournament hosts and defending champions, was the first team to be eliminated after losses against New Zealand in the opening match and to India on February 23 in Dubai. The Champions Trophy 2025 will continue until March 9.

Pakistan struggles

Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood reflected on the team's struggles in the tournament, citing inconsistent performances and injury setbacks as key challenges.

Mahmood began his conversation by highlighting the unpredictable weather in Rawalpindi, stating, "I can't predict Pindi's weather. It is not looking great. We might get some play out of it, but no one knows for sure." Despite the uncertainty, he remained hopeful that some cricket would be possible.

Pakistan's performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy has been below par, with injuries disrupting their campaign. Mahmood acknowledged the difficulties, saying, "We haven't played well in this tournament. We have played good cricket in this format, but in the tournament it has not gone well because of injuries."

Discussing the high-pressure clash against India, Mahmood admitted that the team placed excessive pressure on itself. "Against India we took a lot of pressure on ourselves. But we know where we need to improve. It is all about adapting and taking responsibility."

A key concern for the former all-rounder was the inconsistency in Pakistan's squad selection, an issue that has hindered the team in recent ICC tournaments.

"We haven't play well in ICC tournaments in the last four times. It has been shocking for us. But you see how much chopping and changing that has happened, it is not ideal. We need to trust," Mahmood emphasised.

He stressed the importance of patience and continuity in team selection, urging for players to be given extended opportunities to prove themselves.