Rain Washouts End Pakistan's ICC Trophy Campaign

Pakistan's campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended without a victory after their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to persistent rain, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with just one point. Both teams had already been eliminated from semi-final contention following losses to India and New Zealand. Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, cited injuries to key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman as factors in their poor performance, while emphasizing the need for the team to learn from their mistakes. Criticism has been directed at the Pakistan Cricket Board for inadequate stadium preparations, as rain also washed out the Australia-South Africa match earlier in the tournament, with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioning the use of ICC funds. Afghanistan and Australia are set to face each other in a crucial Group B match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, where weather conditions are expected to be cloudy but conducive to play.