Pakistan cricket in 2025: A year of highs and lows
Cricket
Here’s a comprehensive look at Pakistan cricket in the year 2025, highlighting team performances, captaincy changes, and standout individual achievements.
LAHORE (Usama Ghauri) – The year 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for Pakistan cricket, offering moments of hope and episodes of disappointment. Fans witnessed exhilarating victories in certain formats, while setbacks in key tournaments tested their patience.
ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan began the year by hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the first ICC event on home soil since the 1996 World Cup. However, the team’s campaign ended abruptly, as early defeats in the first two matches saw Pakistan become the first team eliminated from the tournament.
Struggles against New Zealand
Following the Champions Trophy, Pakistan faced New Zealand in a challenging series. The team lost the T20 series 4-0 and was swept 3-0 in the One-Day International (ODI) series, further highlighting inconsistencies across formats.
Captaincy changes
2025 was also a year of uncertainty in leadership. Mohammad Rizwan stepped down from captaincy in both ODIs and T20s. Salman Ali Agha was appointed T20 captain, while Shaheen Shah Afridi took over the ODI leadership, signalling a new direction for the team.
T20 cricket: A bright spot
Despite overall challenges, T20 cricket emerged as a strong suit for Pakistan. The team remained unbeaten at home and earned a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
Although they fell to traditional rivals India in the final, Pakistan’s junior teams shone, with the Rising Star Asia Cup title adding optimism for the future.
Test and ODI performance
In Test cricket, Pakistan’s performance remained underwhelming. Out of five matches, the team managed two wins but suffered three defeats. ODIs also offered limited success, with seven wins out of 17 matches, reflecting a need for greater consistency.
Individual highlights
Several players delivered notable performances. Test captain Shan Masood scored 442 runs, while Salman Ali Agha accumulated 830 runs across formats. In T20s, Sahibzada Farhan impressed with 771 runs, cementing his reputation as a key contributor for Pakistan.
Looking ahead
While 2025 may not be remembered as a breakthrough year for Pakistan cricket, glimpses of talent and T20 success offer hope. Fans and analysts alike anticipate stronger performances in 2026, particularly in international tournaments across formats.
