Mohammad Hafeez rips into Pakistan’s approach against New Zealand in Champions Trophy opener

Pakistan’s troubles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have worsened after their 60-run defeat to New Zealand, with concerns now growing over Fakhar Zaman’s injury. The left-handed opener picked up an issue just two balls into the match while fielding at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19.   

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who was part of the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team, did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking on a local sports show, he blamed Pakistan’s poor approach in the first 20 overs for their defeat.  

"Pakistan lost the match in the first 15-20 overs. There was no process; there was no intent to win this match. Our top order did not bat to chase 320 runs down," Hafeez said.   

Hafeez also questioned why an unfit Fakhar Zaman was sent at No. 4 instead of other available batters. He pointed out that Fakhar’s inability to run between the wickets put unnecessary pressure on Babar Azam, who struggled to accelerate.  

"Please give this Champions Trophy to the person who sent Fakhar to No. 4. I’m saying this because Fakhar can't run. We all know that. We've seen that. This is ODI, and he can't play 38 overs or hit sixes and fours. You sent your main fit players inside," Hafeez stated.  

Defending Babar Azam’s slow knock of 60 runs off 90 balls, Hafeez explained, "Fakhar was not able to make runs because of running between the wickets. Babar got extra pressure. Because his game was not to take the game on straight away. Or at that stage, he was not able to do it. So, he needed that momentum, which Salman Agha gave later." 

Hafeez further argued that if Pakistan were truly aiming to win, they should have sent Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, or Khushdil Shah instead of Fakhar. He also suggested that Fakhar might have recovered for the next match if he had been managed properly, but now his Champions Trophy campaign is likely over.  

"So, if Salman, Tayyab, and Khushdil had played, if our situation of the game was to win, we would have sent Fakhar. Otherwise, we wouldn't have sent him. Now after this match, he will be out of the tournament. Maybe there would have been a chance that Fakhar would have fit in the next match. But now his tournament is over," Hafeez concluded.  

Pakistan now face a do-or-die match against arch-rivals India on February 23, needing a win to stay in the tournament.