Stability, Success, and Silverware: How 2025 became a landmark year for the Green Shirts
Stability, Success, and Silverware: How 2025 became a landmark year for the Green Shirts
By Nawaz Gohar ; The year 2025 has concluded as a transformative and highly successful period for Pakistan’s Men’s and Pathways cricket. Throughout the year, national sides demonstrated exceptional prowess across international, regional, and developmental levels, signaling a robust revival of the sport in the country.
International Dominance and Hosting Success Pakistan featured in a total of 56 international fixtures across all formats, securing victory in 30 of them. However, the crowning achievement of 2025 was the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy after a 29-year hiatus.
This milestone firmly re-established Pakistan’s reputation as a premier destination for global cricket. Furthermore, the successful organization of an ODI Tri-Series featuring New Zealand and South Africa, alongside a T20I Tri-Series with Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, further bolstered the nation’s soft image globally.
T20I Prowess and Tactical Growth In the shortest format, Pakistan set a new benchmark by playing a record 34 T20Is, winning 21. Under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, the team secured series victories against Bangladesh, the West Indies, and South Africa. The team also displayed clinical efficiency in multi-nation formats, clinching two Tri-Series titles against oppositions including Afghanistan, the UAE, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
Individual Milestones The year saw several standout individual performances: Sahibzada Farhan anchored the batting department with a prolific 771 runs in T20Is. Mohammad Nawaz led the bowling charts with a commanding 36 wickets. Young pace sensation Usman Tariq made headlines globally by claiming a T20I hat-trick early in his career.
Test and ODI Achievements In One Day Internationals, Pakistan claimed hard-fought series wins against South Africa and Sri Lanka. In the Test arena, while home series against the West Indies and South Africa ended in draws, captain Shan Masood remained the standout performer with the bat, accumulating 397 runs in the red-ball format.
Pathways and Developmental Glory The year was equally golden for the next generation of cricketers. The Pakistan Shaheens triumphed in the Rising Stars Emerging Asia Cup, while the Pakistan U-19 team delivered a sensational performance to defeat India in the final to lift the Under-19 Asia Cup. Additionally, Pakistan showcased its versatility by winning the Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament.
The Selector’s Perspective Reflecting on the year, National Selector Aaqib Javed expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress. He noted that the heavy T20I schedule was a deliberate strategy that significantly strengthened Pakistan’s bench strength, allowing the management to test depth and provide exposure to emerging talent.
Conclusion Ultimately, 2025 will be remembered as a year of confidence, stability, and renewed hope. With major silverware in the cabinet and a successful return of ICC events to home soil, Pakistan cricket enters 2026 with a solid foundation for future glory.
