Aakash Chopra has pointed out Pakistan’s weaknesses under pressure and their consistent inability to perform well in high-stakes situations as key concerns ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite being defending champions, Pakistan has faced setbacks in recent tournaments, including losses that affected their qualification. Their unpredictability poses both risks and challenges for the upcoming matches.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified Pakistan’s struggles under pressure as a significant weakness ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In his recent YouTube analysis, Chopra pointed out the country’s long-standing mental vulnerabilities during high-stakes situations, highlighting their failure to handle pressure as a critical concern.
Chopra emphasized that Pakistan, while being the defending champions of the Champions Trophy, has a historical issue with pressure. He mentioned that they recently suffered a loss to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which ultimately led to their failure to qualify for the subsequent rounds.
According to Chopra, Pakistan’s inconsistency is another major drawback; he remarked, “They are inconsistent. Their graph fluctuates. They rarely maintain stability.” This lack of reliability reflects the volatility observed in their performances, mirroring the socio-economic ups and downs of the country itself.
The unpredictability of the Pakistani cricket team has produced both remarkable victories and shocking losses in the past. Chopra noted that this volatility exacerbates their challenges, with inconsistency and pressure management being of particular concern, especially as the team approaches the intense environment of the tournament.
Despite holding the title from the 2017 Champions Trophy, Pakistan has struggled in recent ICC events, failing to progress past the group stages in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence in Karachi on February 19, where defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand in their opening match.
As part of their preparation, Pakistan’s team, known as the Shaheens, conducted a successful warm-up against Afghanistan, achieving a notable 314/8 and winning by 144 runs. Key player Shadab Khan excelled, leading the bowling attack with three wickets, dismissing Afghanistan for 170 runs in total.
Looking ahead, the Shaheens are scheduled to play South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 17, while a secondary squad will compete against Bangladesh simultaneously at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Pakistani squad for the Champions Trophy includes prominent players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
In summary, Aakash Chopra’s analysis highlights Pakistan’s recurring issues with pressure and inconsistency, which he believes could hinder their performance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite being defending champions, recent struggles in international competitions suggest that overcoming these challenges will be crucial for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
