The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed its Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament, highlighting standout performers from the competition. However, Pakistani players were notably absent from the lineup, sparking concerns among cricket fans. The selected squad predominantly features Indian, New Zealand, and Afghan players, reflecting their strong performances.
Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament Omits Pakistan
Despite being the host nation, Pakistan failed to secure a spot in the ICC’s Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament. The final selection consists of six Indian players, four from New Zealand, and two from Afghanistan. Surprisingly, even semi-finalists South Africa and Australia were left out, making the exclusion of Pakistani players even more important.
India’s Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammad Shami, and Varun Chakravarthy led the team, while New Zealand contributed Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai were also included, with Axar Patel named as the 12th man.
Reaction to Pakistan’s Exclusion
Pakistan’s absence from the list has led to mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts. Some believe it reflects the team’s underwhelming performance in the tournament, while others argue that individual players had standout moments worthy of recognition. With the Champions Trophy set to return to Pakistan after years, fans had high hopes for a stronger representation in the ICC’s lineup. The selection highlights the rising dominance of Indian, New Zealand, and Afghan cricket on the global stage.
Read more: ICC Champions Trophy Row: No Objections Raised Over Schedule, Including India
