Legendary Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad has delivered a scathing critique of the national team following their disappointing performance against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Miandad questioned the players’ mindset, body language, and lack of professionalism during the high-stakes match against arch-rivals India.
Speaking to reporters after Pakistan’s defeat, Javed Miandad dismissed the idea of blaming the system, selectors, or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the team’s poor showing. Instead, he turned the spotlight on the players themselves, questioning their commitment and mental toughness in big matches. He said,
It is useless blaming the system, selectors, and all that. The question is, are these selected players short on anything? Does the PCB not take care of them? Are they not paid enough? So where is the passion and fire and professionalism to perform in big matches and tournaments?
Miandad was particularly critical of the players’ body language during the match, suggesting that they appeared to be under pressure even before the first ball was bowled.
“The truth is, our players were under pressure even before the match began. Look at their body language, not one of them appeared to be in a mood to dominate Indian bowlers,” he remarked.
He emphasized that a lack of confidence and aggression was evident in the way the team approached the game, both with the bat and ball. Miandad argued that such a mindset is unacceptable at the international level, especially in a marquee tournament like the Champions Trophy.