'Fans will be disappointed, just like we are': Pakistan players call for big changes after crushing loss to India

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Feb 24, 2025, 13:05 IST

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Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign is in jeopardy after a six-wicket loss to India, prompting top-order batsman Saud Shakeel to call for significant changes. Despite a 104-run partnership, Pakistan's batting collapsed, leading to an underwhelming total of 241. With bottom placement in Group A and a crucial match against Bangladesh next, their tournament future looks bleak.

'Fans will be disappointed, just like we are': Pakistan players call for big changes after crushing loss to India

Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel during the Champions Trophy match against India in Dubai. (PTI Photo)

Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign is on the brink of collapse after a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai on Sunday, and the players have openly admitted that significant changes are necessary following another disappointing performance.
Top-order batsman Saud Shakeel, who top-scored with 62 in Pakistan's underwhelming total of 241, acknowledged that the team had failed in all aspects of the game. "We did not play well in all three departments, and that is why this result has come. We have to accept this," Shakeel told reporters.
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Pakistan had a brief moment of stability with a 104-run partnership between Shakeel and skipper Mohammad Rizwan (46), but both were dismissed in quick succession, leading to another batting collapse. "We are losing wickets in bunches and are not building big partnerships," Shakeel admitted. "When we were batting, the pitch played slow. We tried to bat deep, but it did not happen. I am sure fans will be disappointed, just like we are."

Champions Trophy: 'India put in more effort, were braver than us,' admits Mohammad Rizwan

The bowlers also struggled as India, led by Virat Kohli's unbeaten 100, chased down the target comfortably in 42.3 overs. Spinner Abrar Ahmed echoed Shakeel's concerns, stressing the need for change. "Some things did not go in our favour, but we have to change a lot of things within the group," he said. "This tournament is like that — you go out if you lose one match. We have to improve our batting and do more work on bowling."
Also See: Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table | Champions Trophy Points Table 2025
Pakistan, now bottom of Group A with two defeats, will face Bangladesh in their final group match in Rawalpindi on Thursday. However, if Bangladesh lose to New Zealand on Monday, both teams will already be eliminated. The tournament is Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket event in nearly three decades, but their poor performances have left their campaign in tatters.

Stay updated with the latest sports news and find out how to watch the ICC Champions Trophy live in Canada and the USA. Don’t miss the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand clash. Check the live cricket scores and Champions Trophy Schedule here.

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