Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has urged former cricketers to approach their criticism of the national team with more balance and understanding following the team’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
The hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.
The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners without a win.
Following the team’s ouster from the tournament, many former cricketers criticized the current team, further intensifying the scrutiny on the squad.
Speaking on the current state of Pakistan cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed pointed out that no team plays with the intention of losing, emphasizing that the criticism should always be balanced and fair.
“It is often said that the team didn’t play well. Former cricketers, management, and coaches know that no team plays to lose,” said Sarfaraz.
“When criticizing players, it’s important to maintain balance in the discussion. Those sitting on TV have also gone through those phases.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The former captain also touched on the contrast between playing and commenting on the game, reminding critics that attitudes change after retirement.
“There is a difference in attitude when playing and after retiring from the game,” he added.
Sarfaraz Ahmed also expressed hope that Pakistan’s young squad for the tour of New Zealand will come out victorious despite challenging conditions.
“The Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour consists of young players. I hope the results will be in our favor, but the conditions in New Zealand have always been challenging,” he added.
With the national team facing both external and internal challenges, Sarfaraz reminded fans to maintain their support for the players, especially during tough times.
“I would like to tell the nation that you have always supported the team. I urge you to continue standing by the team. I hope the future will bring good things for Pakistan cricket,” he concluded.
READ: Jason Gillespie slams Sunil Gavaskar’s ‘nonsense’ comment on Pakistan cricket team