Asif Iqbal Defends Pakistan Cricket Post Champions Trophy Performance
In a recent interview, former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal shared his thoughts on the state of Pakistan cricket following their performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Despite criticism from former players and fans, Iqbal firmly believes that “nothing is wrong with Pakistan cricket.” He emphasizes that the team’s defeats were primarily due to stronger performances from their opponents.
Iqbal pointed out that Pakistan’s losses, including a six-wicket defeat to India, should not overshadow the reality of competitive cricket. “We were outplayed in every department, except the toss!” he remarked. He noted that England, like Pakistan, also faced early elimination in the tournament, raising questions about their performance that many seem to overlook.
Additionally, Iqbal addressed the high expectations from fans, stating, “The expectations of the Indian and Pakistani fans make an Indo-Pak contest look like a clash of titans.” He highlighted that, similar to sporting events in other disciplines, a match between a top-ranked team and a lower-ranked team should reflect the reality of their standings.
On the topic of India refusing to play in Pakistan for the tournament, Iqbal expressed disappointment. “More importantly, India is not playing in Pakistan in an ICC tournament. Really sad,” he said.
He also praised Indian superstar Virat Kohli, who recently scored his 51st ODI hundred, stating, “Form is temporary, but class is permanent.” Iqbal acknowledged the strength of the Indian cricket team, particularly their impressive bench strength, and commended Afghanistan for their performance in the tournament, predicting their rise as a formidable side in world cricket.
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