By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan’s return as an ICC tournament host after nearly three decades ended in disappointment as their final Champions Trophy group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain. The washout sealed an unwanted record for the 2017 champions, who bowed out without a single victory—a fate no team had suffered in the competition since 2000.
The Champions Trophy proved to be a nightmare for Pakistan, who finished at the bottom of Group A with just one point and a Net Run Rate of -1.087. Their exit was confirmed as India and New Zealand secured the top two spots in the group, advancing to the semi-finals. The dismal run rekindled painful memories of the 2013 edition, where Pakistan similarly failed to register a win, losing all three of their matches against India, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Historically, host nations have managed to salvage at least one victory in past Champions Trophy editions. Even in 2006 and 2009, when India and South Africa finished last in their groups, they still avoided a winless campaign. Pakistan, however, now stand as the first host team in the tournament’s history to exit without tasting victory.
The match against Bangladesh was Pakistan’s last opportunity to salvage pride, but persistent rain ensured they never got the chance. This meant their only point in the tournament came from this abandoned fixture—hardly a consolation for a team that once lifted the trophy in 2017.
For Bangladesh, the result brought a bittersweet end to their campaign, as they also failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand’s dominance in Group A reaffirmed their credentials as serious title contenders.
With Pakistan’s campaign now over, questions will be raised about the team’s future direction, squad composition, and the leadership’s ability to rebuild ahead of upcoming global tournaments. The Men in Green have a long road ahead as they seek to regain their footing on the international stage.
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