Pakistan is facing severe criticism following two consecutive defeats in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which have placed them on the verge of elimination from the group stage. After losing to New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, the defending champions suffered a six-wicket defeat against India in Dubai on Sunday. Amidst harsh evaluations from veteran Pakistani cricketers, former Australia captain Michael Clarke expressed his confusion regarding the lack of strategy exhibited by Mohammad Rizwan's team against India. He also condemned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to recognize the team's shortcomings, which have persisted through several recent ICC tournaments.

During his appearance on the YouTube show Beyond 23, Clarke questioned the rationale behind Pakistan's decision to make only one change to their lineup, especially given the starkly different conditions compared to their opening match at home. The hosts brought in Imam-ul-Haq to replace the injured Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the tournament following the match against India.

"Pakistan has struggled to cope with the expectations and pressures of competing in a major tournament on home soil. Therefore, prior to the start of the match, I found it difficult to understand how they could perform effectively. Aside from the one change due to Fakhar Zaman's injury, which occurred in the first game, there were no other adjustments made. They were playing in conditions that were nearly the opposite of what they faced against New Zealand, yet only one player was substituted. I was astonished by what I witnessed," he remarked.

Clarke further criticized Pakistan's batting strategy, suggesting that the players approached the game with a fear of failure rather than adopting a proactive stance against the Indian bowling attack. Consequently, he believed the match was effectively decided even before India commenced their chase of 242 runs in Dubai.

"Having a poor plan is acceptable, but having no plan at all is far worse. To me, Pakistan appeared to lack a coherent strategy. I was unclear about their selection process and their overall approach to the game."

'It's not talent; it's not potential...'

The former Australian cricketer reflected on his initial assessment at the beginning of the Champions Trophy, where he expressed concerns regarding Pakistan's mental readiness for the tournament. Unfortunately, the team has not advanced to the knockout stage in their last three ICC ODI competitions. Additionally, they faced an early exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup, suffering an unexpected defeat to the unranked USA.

"I recall stating at the tournament's outset that my primary concern regarding Pakistan was their mental state. It is not a question of talent or potential, as they possess an abundance of both. Regrettably, I believe their chances are now slim. I do not foresee them reaching the top four. This tournament has drawn my attention to Pakistan more than any other ICC event. Although the match took place in Dubai, which has effectively become their second home for cricket due to the inability to play in Pakistan, they are well-acquainted with those conditions. In their recent encounters against New Zealand and South Africa in a tri-series, their preparation and form appeared to be ideal. As they entered this tournament, the only factors that could hinder them were mental barriers, expectations, and the fear of failure. Furthermore, it is not solely about winning or losing; it is also about the manner in which victories and defeats occur. As a captain, senior player, coach, or administrator, one must critically evaluate these aspects. If the same errors are repeatedly made, or if there is an expectation that maintaining the same lineup will yield different outcomes, or that employing the same style of play will produce varied results, such expectations are unrealistic," he stated.

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