If you are a Pakistan cricket fan, you don’t need a calendar to know what year it is. You measure time in heartbreaks. And 2025? This was supposed to be the year we finally healed.
For the first time since 1996, Pakistan was the sole host of a global ICC event—the Champions Trophy. The PCB spent billions renovating the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The security was flawless. The “Hybrid Model” drama with India was finally settled. The stage was set for a fairytale.
Instead, we watched a horror movie.
As we close out 2025, here is the “Raza Rants” report card on a year that promised everything and delivered… confusion.
Here is a look at the Shaheen’s 2026 calendar.
1. The Champions Trophy Nightmare (February)
Let’s rip the bandage off first. The Champions Trophy. We walked into the tournament as Defending Champions (remember 2017?). We walked out as the first team eliminated.
- The Build-Up: The hype was insane. “Cricket Comes Home” was the slogan. And to be fair, the opening ceremony in Karachi was spectacular. For a moment, it felt like Pakistan was the center of the sporting world.
- The Reality Check: Then, the cricket started.
- The Batting Collapse: In our opening game against New Zealand, on a flat Pindi track, we managed 160. It wasn’t the pitch; it was the pressure.
- The Rain of Terror: The “must-win” game against Bangladesh in Lahore wasn’t decided by bat or ball. It was decided by the drainage system. A wash-out sent us packing before the semi-finals even started.
- The Ultimate Insult: Watching India lift the trophy. Whether they played in Lahore or Dubai (due to the hybrid logistics), seeing our arch-rivals win the tournament we hosted was a bitter pill that will stay in our throats for a long time.
2. The “Turmoil”: The Chairman Musical Chairs
It wouldn’t be Pakistan cricket without boardroom chaos. 2025 saw yet another change in the PCB chairmanship mid-year. The constant hiring and firing of selection committees meant that by the time we reached the T20 World Cup qualifiers, the players didn’t know who their boss was.
- The Stat: In 2025 alone, we had 3 different Chief Selectors. Stability is a foreign concept here.
3. The “Small Triumphs”: The Test Revival
But, because we are Pakistan fans, we find hope in the ashes. The second half of 2025 gave us reasons to smile, specifically in Red Ball Cricket.
- The Rise of Saim Ayub: The England Test series in August was the turning point. Finally, Pakistan has found a genuine Test opener. Saim didn’t just block; he dominated. His century at Lord’s (in a losing cause, but still!) proved he has the temperament for the long format.
- Naseem Shah 2.0: After a scary 2024 plagued by shoulder issues, Naseem Shah returned in 2025 as a machine. He bowled 145kph consistently across all three formats. He is no longer the “kid”; he is the leader of the attack.
- The Spinner Dilemma Solved? We also saw Abrar Ahmed solidify his spot as our premier mystery spinner, taking 25 wickets in the home season.
4. The Verdict
2025 proved one thing: Pakistan is a world-class host, but currently a mid-tier team. We have the stadiums. We have the passion. We have the raw talent (Saim, Naseem). But until we fix the system—the boardroom politics, the fitness standards, and the mental fragility in big tournaments—we will just be glorified event managers for other teams to come and win trophies.
Grade: C- (A+ for Hosting, F for Performance).