Champions Trophy: Pakistan's Biggest Weakness Ahead Of The Tournament

Pakistan, the hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025 and the defending champions are gearing up for the eight-nation tournament, which is set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan with India playing their matches in Dubai. The opening match will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi.

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The Men in Green will then head to Dubai for their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. The Final league match of Pakistan will be against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan have suffered a big setback with opening batter Saim Ayub getting ruled out of the tournament with an injury. He had been the man in form for the Men in Green in the last three series wins. Babar Azam, who had been promoted as an opener, is also not in the best of form. Pakistan have various loopholes that need to be filled as they look to defend their title.

Below are the weaknesses of the Pakistan team

1. Ability to handle pressure: The biggest weakness that the Men in Green have over the years is the pressure handling capability as they have crumbled under crunch situations. With a tournament like the Champions Trophy where the margin of error is negligible due to the tournament’s format, Pakistan need to be on target from the get-go.

2. New Opening batters: With Saim Ayub out due to injury and Abdullah Shafique omitted from the squad the team will be dependent on a new pair to give them the solid start. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam have not fired so far in unison. The first powerplay will be crucial and the new pair will have their work cut.

3. Lack of specialist spinner: Abrar Ahmed, just a lone specialist spinner in the line-up, will be under extreme pressure to perform due to the likes of part-timers Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha not performing consistently. Asian conditions, which suit spinners more as compared to quicks, will certainly test the spin bowling line-up.

4. Lack of middle-order fire-power: Pakistan lack fire-power in the middle order. Apart from Salman Ali Agha, they don't have specialised finishers in their arsenal. This can prove fatal in close chases and setting the competitive target if they bat first. 

5. Form of Premium Bowler Shaheen Afridi: The tall fast bowler has been struggling for consistency and rhythm over the last few years as he has not looked like the same dangerous bowler he once used to be. His speed has also reduced somewhat and he is also leaking runs with both the new ball and the old bowl at the death overs.

However, with all these weaknesses Pakistan can still go the distance if they handle pressure better and utilize their home advantage. It remains a very high mountain to climb considering joint favorites India and New Zealand in their group who both look relatively set with their combinations.

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