The Pakistan cricket team continues to face severe backlash following its early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar delivered a stinging critique, stating that Pakistan would struggle even against a second-string Indian team.
India, the 2023 ODI World Cup finalists, secured a commanding six-wicket victory over defending champions Pakistan in their Group A match in Dubai on Sunday. The loss extended Pakistan’s winless streak in the tournament and ultimately led to their elimination.
“I think a B team (from India) can certainly challenge Pakistan. A C team, I’m not too sure, but a B team would be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form,” Gavaskar remarked on Sports Today.
Pakistan’s Decline Since 2017
Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes have seen a sharp decline since their 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, finishing fifth in the last two ODI World Cups.
“Pakistan always had natural talent,” Gavaskar said. “Their players may not always be technically correct, but they had an instinctive understanding of the game. Look at Inzamam-ul-Haq—his stance wasn’t perfect, but his temperament made up for it.”
Despite the presence of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic white-ball tournaments, Pakistan has struggled to produce world-class players. Gavaskar compared this to India’s success, attributing their depth in talent to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“India’s young stars come from the IPL. They gain exposure there, play in the Ranji Trophy, and then break into the national team. Pakistan must analyze why they no longer have the bench strength they once had,” he suggested.
Atherton: ‘India vs Pakistan No Longer a Competitive Rivalry’
Former England captain Michael Atherton expressed his disappointment over the declining competitiveness of India vs. Pakistan matches, labeling them one-sided affairs.
“It was completely predictable,” Atherton said on Sky Sports Podcast. “Pakistan’s batting lacked energy and dynamism, just like in their opening match against New Zealand.”
Atherton pointed out that while India vs Pakistan is one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket, the lack of competitiveness is a major concern.
“There’s so much hype around this fixture, but the cricket does not live up to it. If you look at their ODI meetings in the last 10 years, Pakistan has only won once—during the 2017 Champions Trophy final. So, it’s a one-sided contest right now.”
Historically, Pakistan leads the India-Pakistan ODI head-to-head record with 58 wins to India’s 73 in 136 games. However, their recent performances suggest they have lost the competitive edge that once defined the rivalry.
With Pakistan’s cricket team facing growing scrutiny from fans and analysts alike, urgent introspection and reforms may be necessary to reclaim their lost stature on the world stage.
