Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has encouraged experts and fans to keep underestimating his team, believing it will motivate them to perform well in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The eight-team tournament, often referred to as the ‘Mini World Cup,’ kicks off today (February 19), with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.
The Men in Green have faced challenges in recent ICC tournaments, failing to reach the semifinals in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pakistan‘s preparation for the tournament was underwhelming, with a disappointing home tri-series and two losses to New Zealand.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the tournament opener, Rizwan stated [as quoted by India Today]:
“If that’s how we win, then keep underestimating us. Hopefully, we win. Look, we have a few concerns. As a player, I would say we need to improve our awareness a bit. We need to enhance our professionalism. There is no doubt that Pakistan has achieved great things. We have produced exceptional players.”
He further added:
“Even now, young cricketers approach us to learn, and players from other countries do the same. I believe that if we work hard, execute our plans, and play smart cricket on the day, the Almighty will reward us.”
“No one should question our talent, capabilities, or infrastructure”- Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan responded to critics of Pakistan cricket by emphasizing the team’s consistent performances despite having played few home games over the past 15 years. The 2025 Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
“We always say – if you look at our team and our processes now, we endured 10 years without international teams visiting Pakistan, yet we still delivered strong performances for the nation. So, no one should doubt our talent, our ability, or our facilities,” Rizwan said in the same press conference.
He further concluded:
“Yes, on certain days we might underperform or fail to play to our full potential, allowing other teams to capitalize. But we are working hard to rectify that and ensure the results favor Pakistan.”
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