Fakhar Zaman has openly acknowledged the mounting psychological weight on the Pakistan cricket team as they strive to end a prolonged drought for major international silverware. Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, the experienced top-order batter revealed that the squad has engaged in extensive internal discussions regarding their failure to secure an ICC title since 2017. Zaman emphasized that the collective desire to lift a trophy is palpable, stating, “There is pressure on us as a team to deliver an ICC trophy, and we have had extensive discussions about ending the country’s wait for a major international trophy.”
Fakhar Zaman admits weight of expectation as Pakistan targets 2025 ODI World Cup glory
The urgency stems from Pakistan’s recent inability to convert high-profile opportunities into victories, most notably their run to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where they fell short against England in Melbourne. With the 50-over World Cup scheduled for next year in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Zaman believes this upcoming tournament represents the definitive chance to break the cycle. He noted that while the team understands the natural disappointment of fans following a title-less stretch, strong performances consistently bring back the public’s affection and admiration, creating a high-stakes feedback loop for the players.
This candid admission highlights the delicate balance Pakistan must maintain between managing fan expectations and executing under pressure. Zaman’s comments underscore that the burden is shared across all seniority levels, from veterans to juniors, as the team prepares to face the scrutiny of a global audience. As Pakistan looks toward the 2025 ODI World Cup, the focus shifts from mere participation to tangible results, with the squad fully aware that only a championship win will silence the critics and restore the nation’s cricketing pride.
Source: Yahoo Sports
