Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment as they lost their first two matches, crashing out of the tournament they were co-hosting. Former Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir did not hold back in her criticism, stating that even a legendary leader like Mahendra Singh Dhoni wouldn’t have been able to turn things around given the squad’s flawed selection.

“The 15 players selected for the Champions Trophy—no matter if you make MS Dhoni or even Younis Khan captain—nothing could have been done because the team wasn’t picked based on playing conditions,” Sana Mir said on the ‘Game On Hai’ program.

She recalled receiving a message when India was 100 for 2, with someone suggesting the match was over. Mir responded by saying, “The match was over when the squad was announced.”

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The 39-year-old, who played over 300 white-ball matches for Pakistan as a right-arm spinner, stressed that Pakistan’s biggest mistake was failing to choose players suited to the conditions.

“Half the tournament was lost when the squad was announced, and I have been saying this from day one. They knew Pakistan had to play at least one match in Dubai, yet they picked only two part-time spinners. Abrar Ahmed, who is still new to ODIs, has taken just two wickets in five months, conceding 165 runs. The selectors removed key players who performed against Australia and South Africa,” Sana Mir explained.

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Abrar was Pakistan’s most economical bowler against India, conceding only 28 runs in his 10 overs, but he managed just one wicket.

Sana Mir also criticized the exclusion of Irfan Khan Niazi, who had impressed as a fielder and power-hitter. “We lost the tournament the day we announced the squad,” she concluded.