June 14 wasn’t the best day to be a Pakistan cricket team fan. Babar Azam’s Men in Green were knocked out, or rather washed out, of the T20 World Cup courtesy of a rained-off match between the USA and Ireland. If this exit wasn’t enough, another shock came their way. The meeting that the BCCI and PCB were having regarding India’s coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 didn’t bear any fruit either. Amid the gloom among Pakistan fans, one team was ecstatic: the USA. The co-hosts stormed into the Super 8 in what was their first-ever ICC event.
Pakistan pack their bags
One has to say that the Pakistan cricket team got what they deserved. Losing to the USA multiple times in a match and then in the super over wasn’t good, but being unable to chase 63 from 10 overs with 9 wickets in hand against arch-rival India could be worse. Funnily enough, the same ‘Qudrat ka Nizam’ that has saved them before is exactly what doomed them this time.
Party in the USA
This song by Miley Cyrus might just be playing in the USA cricket team dressing room right now. In their first-ever World Cup (ODI or T20), the Monank Patel-led team has made it to the Super 8. They join teams like South Africa, India, and Australia as they look to create history. We are witnessing a moment that could potentially change the landscape of the sport.
India vs Pakistan in Lahore, not yet says BCCI
You might have thought that the IND vs PAK match was played on June 9, but another match was being played behind closed doors in the USA. The two boards, BCCI and PCB, were in talks regarding India coming to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, but nothing came of the meeting.
Rain ruins India’s practice
The USA vs Ireland match wasn’t the only thing that was affected by the rain in Lauderhill. The India cricket team was also supposed to have their final group stage practice on June 14, but the weather gods didn’t allow them to prepare properly for the India vs Canada match. The Rohit Sharma-led side instead spent time in the gym.
End of New Zealand’s golden era
What a run it was! New Zealand, who’ve made the semifinals or better in the last three editions, are out of the T20 World Cup. The team, which had made a habit of punching above their weight consistently, has yet to win a match in the event. Sadly, this could be the end of many Kiwi stars international careers, starting with Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and maybe even Kane Williamson.
ICC against Pakistan?
As the Men in Green crashed out of the T20 World Cup, many fans lost their marbles. Some blamed the ICC for not starting the game early despite no rain pouring down for hours. Others somehow managed to drag the BCCI in, claiming it was their ‘tactics’ due to which Pakistan was out of the event.
