The Champions Trophy 2025 has been a mixed bag of emotions and disappointment for the fans. While there were some exciting contests so far, fans were equally disappointed with the kind of arrangements Pakistan made for the tournament. Rain has interrupted the crucial fixtures in the game stages so far, particularly in Rawalpindi where a majority of fixtures were washed out. However, it’s more about the manner in which the field was dealt with during and after these showers which made it impossible for the teams to play.
A latest example of the mismanagement in the grounds occurred during the clash between Afghanistan and Australia. The all-important clash which was set to determine the semi-finalist from Group B was abandoned during Australia’s run-chase of 273 runs put together by Afghanistan. A half-hour drizzle in Lahore flooded the outfield creating huge puddles resulting in another disappointment for the cricketing world.
Pakistan’s arrangements in shambles during Champions Trophy 2025
This is not the first time that mismanagement has taken place in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy 2025. The row of errors for the hosts began with fan invasions on the field, poor lighting and lack of proper ground staff to clear the ground after rain. The vital group B contest between South Africa and Australia was also washed out because of rain while hosts Pakistan also could not play their final group stage match against Bangladesh.
Lack of urgency during Afghanistan-Australia clash
After Afghanistan carved out a total of 273 runs for Australia to chase, the Aussies managed to put together a strong start even though Matthew Short went on relatively early in the game. The world champions were on 109/1 in 12.overs before rain interrupted play in Lahore. After the brief shower, the ground was full of water and the lack of ground staff and proper equipment to dry up the field resulted in the match getting abandoned. Both teams had to share the points with Afghanistan’s campaign coming to a disappointing end despite their heroic win against England.
After the match, people went on to express their frustration and disappointment with the host nation and lashed out at the complacency.
Also Read: AFG vs AUS: Fans laud Steve Smith as he revokes run-out appeal against Noor Ahmad in Champions Trophy 2025
Here’s how fans reacted:
When you have covers but don’t have brain and still wants to host ICC events 🇵🇰🤣🤣#AFGvsAUS #ChampionsTrophy2025 #MSDhoni #IPL2025 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/BvxaYjWAs7
— Aaliya 🇦🇫🇮🇳 (@Aaliyaarehman) February 28, 2025
Dekhlo Aankh Kholke ICC, DONT GIVE THESE JOKERSSS A CHANCE TO EVER HOST AN ICC EVENT 🤦🏻♀️ #AFGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9lgo5TQZ9F
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) February 28, 2025
Kya management hai bhai kamal ka#AFGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/C8HmJaP2ci
— Ahsan (@al30707802) February 28, 2025
Why on earth didn’t they invest in proper ground covers? This is beyond frustrating…ughhh
The #AFGvsAUS match is called off because of rain. If only I had known sooner, I would have gladly provided a cover myself #ChampionsTrophy2025— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi) February 28, 2025
Spent so much on GSL renovations for the Champions Trophy, yet the drainage system failed? 🤦♂️
A crucial Australia vs Afghanistan (virtual quarter-final) washed out, better drainage was expected.#AFGvsAUS | #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/TkoxHgAgpC
— Usman Jamil (@jamilmusman) February 28, 2025
Phly barish nai hoti thi, ab ruk nai rahi, phly host ki ejazat nai Mili, ab Mili ha tu 5 din mei laat kha ke bahir a gaye. Hamari kashti tu darya mei bh nai dubti …… #PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/oOQJA6vivU
— 𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 (@sabz80_) February 28, 2025
– No result on February 25th.
– No result on February 27th.
– No result on February 28th.3 GAMES ABANDONED IN FOUR DAYS IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025…!!!! pic.twitter.com/LDAs74eLfy
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 28, 2025
From a neutral point-of-view, here’s what Champions Trophy has been so far
3 abandoned games due to rain
69 Injuries
Average crowd attendance overall
Hosts eliminated in first week
Once team (India) with huge advantage and almost being presented trophy on plateOnly Lahore leg… pic.twitter.com/kW2Rx7p3Z0
— Hesy Rock (@Hesy_R0ck) March 1, 2025
– No result on 25th February in Rawalpindi
– No result on 27th February in Rawalpindi
– No result on 28th February in Lahore3 matches abandoned in 4 days in Champions Trophy. It hurts a lot 🇵🇰💔💔 #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/kxLDxLA8zP
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 28, 2025
After pindi cricket stadium the rain is interrupted in lahore #iccchampionstrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/0HgIt5AUC2
— Amber Ali🇵🇰 (@aliamber04) February 28, 2025
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Australia secures semifinal spot as rain washes out clash against Afghanistan
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