Ramiz Raja Blames ICC For Pakistan's Ouster From Champions Trophy 2025; Faces Backlash

Ramiz Raja, former Pakistan captain, and Pakistan Cricket Board chief, has questioned the scheduling of Pakistan’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan, who are hosting their first ICC Event since 1996, became the first team to be knocked out of the tournament.

This happened after New Zealand defeated Bangladesh in their second match of the tournament on Monday. With Pakistan already having lost to New Zealand in their first match and to India in their second match, were officially knocked out of the tournament in only 6 days.

Ramiz Raja said that the Men in Green should have faced Bangladesh in their opening match of the ongoing Champions Trophy instead of New Zealand.

Why Pakistan played first match against New Zealand, should’ve played Bangladesh first: Ramiz Raja

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Ramiz Speaks, Ramiz Raja discussed the team's terrible performance in the Champions Trophy. He questioned why Pakistan launched its campaign against New Zealand rather than Bangladesh.

"I wonder why Pakistan played their first match against New Zealand. They should have played their first match against Bangladesh. Even though Bangladesh is a strong side, it was still comparatively an easy match for them," Ramiz said on his channel.

The Men in Green started their season with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi. They were under tremendous strain ahead of their key match against India. This strain was evident in their performance, as they lost by six wickets to their archrivals in Dubai on February 23.

Raja pins the blame on scheduling

According to Ramiz Raja, Pakistan's loss against the Blackcaps in the first match put more pressure on them. The former cricketer further stated that if Pakistan had faced Bangladesh or India first, the pressure dynamics would have been different.

"They played against them in the opener and lost. The defeat created pressure on Pakistan. I don't understand why Pakistan didn't play their first match against Bangladesh or India. If that happened, the pressure would be equal," he added.

Pakistan withdrew from the event just five days after it began. They'll face Bangladesh in their last Group A match on February 27 in Rawalpindi. However, this match will have no bearing on the standings.

Virat Kohli a complete package: Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja lauded Virat Kohli for his amazing century that won India the match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. According to Ramiz, Kohli can dominate the opposition by balancing patience and aggression. He praised Kohli as a complete package who is constantly challenging himself.

"Virat's knock had everything. There was calmness and attack. He maintained the pace well. Overall, Virat Kohli was a complete package. He keeps on challenging himself. He played confidently against every bowler and didn't allow anyone to settle," Ramiz said.

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 off 111 deliveries while chasing 242. India lost skipper Rohit Sharma early, but Kohli led his side to a six-wicket victory. This was India's sixth consecutive ODI victory over Pakistan.

He achieved his 51st and fourth ODI centuries, both against Pakistan. During his innings, Kohli crossed 14,000 ODI runs, becoming only the third player to do so after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Also Read: Pakistan Become The 1st Team To Be Knocked Out Of ICC Champions Trophy 2025