Cheteshwar Pujara Points Out Major Issue of Pakistan Cricket

Following Pakistan’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent within the Pakistan cricket system.

His comments come at a time when the Pakistani team is under scrutiny for its performance and strategy, particularly after a match that saw them fall short by 60 runs.

In a statement made via Ten Sports, Pujara highlighted the need for Pakistan to invest in its younger players, stating,

You need youngsters in white-ball cricket more, since they will be better in terms of fitness, fielding, and they will not be afraid.

He pointed out that while these young players might initially lack experience, Pakistan possesses a wealth of talent that can be developed with the right support and infrastructure.

Pujara further elaborated on the potential of these players, suggesting that if they were nurtured within a more structured system, their approach to the game could significantly improve. He remarked, “If these players were nurtured in New Zealand’s system, their approach might have been different.”

The Indian legend also added, “The difference is not in talent, the difference is how you strategize, how you bat and bowl in different phases and situations.” He noted that Pakistan’s bowlers failed to utilize variations effectively, particularly in the death overs, where slower bouncers and other tactics could have made a significant difference in their performance.