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Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has arrived in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, marking his first visit in nearly two decades.  

In a viral video featuring Gupta alongside Pakistani sports journalist Sanaullah at Liberty Chowk in Lahore, he shares his thoughts on returning to Pakistan after so many years.

During their conversation, Sanaullah asked, “Gupta Bhai, you’re seeing Liberty Chowk after so many years. How does it feel?”

Gupta replied, “Yes, I remember when the 2004 and 2006 series took place, we used to pass through this very road. Some things have changed, but the beauty of big cities is that their character remains the same. The vibe here still feels the same.”

Sanaullah then asked, “Have you noticed any development?”

Gupta responded, “Well, we haven’t explored much yet. We just came from the hotel to Liberty Chowk. There’s still a lot of Lahore to see.”

Talking about his previous visits, Sanaullah asked, “Is the area where you’re staying now different from where you used to stay before?”

Gupta reflected on his memories, recalling, “Yes, it is. Back then, we used to stay on the other side of the city. I still remember it. Once we go there, I’ll see how much it has changed. From here, I can even see the stadium. As we get closer, I remember the hockey stadium, NCA, and the cricket stadium. There was a big parking area in front of it and even a football ground. Let’s go and check it out.”

The conversation then shifted to Pakistani cuisine, as Sanaullah curiously asked, “How did you find the food? You had daal (lentils) today.”

Gupta enthusiastically responded, “Yes, I had daal, and it was amazing! I also had parathas with pickles.”

Sanaullah, surprised, added, “Pickle parathas! That’s interesting because I’ve been eating here for six years, and I never had a pickle paratha before. And you got it on your first day!”

Gupta laughed and said, “Well, Paji made sure I had it. And it was fantastic!”

Speaking about the hospitality he received, Gupta expressed his gratitude, saying, “The respect I have received here is overwhelming.” He also praised the local food, adding, “Pakistan’s cuisine is absolutely amazing. The flavours are just incredible!”

The Indian team is playing their matches in the Champions Trophy in Dubai using a hybrid model.

Pakistan cricket team’s head coach Aqib Javed has come forward in support of the players amid raging criticism over their performance in Champions Trophy 2025. 

Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, he said, “Pakistan selected the best available team, but the performances did not meet expectations, which is a fact.”

He further clarified, “There are no excuses in cricket. Before every match, the team remains hopeful, and we support them. The players themselves are disappointed with their performance. The nation should believe that the team put in its best effort. The emotions in a Pakistan vs India match are always different.”

Commenting on the Pakistan-India match, Aqib Javed said, “Had Pakistan managed to score around 300, it could have been a good contest. When there isn’t a strong total on the board, the bowlers have to be more aggressive, and that’s what happened with us.”

He also highlighted the absence of key players, saying, “Impact players are crucial in big matches. The absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman made a difference because both of them had the ability to change the game. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi didn’t have enough exposure in ODI cricket, which added to the pressure.”

Explaining the selection strategy, Aqib Javed said, “In ODIs, a combination of seven batters and four bowlers is usually played. Since Saim Ayub could contribute with a few overs as well, Khushdil Shah was included in the squad as an alternative.”

Defending the fast bowlers, Aqib Javed said, “A bowling attack, consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf is among the best. You won’t find such an attack in any team around the world.”

However, he also acknowledged the challenges they faced, stating, “When scores of 350 are being made in almost every match, these same bowlers are bound to concede runs.”

The head coach stated, “Not too long ago, this very team defeated Australia in a series, but as soon as we lost to India, criticism began, which is unfair.”

He further added, “If you look at the records of the players in the team, they clearly show that there is plenty of talent. However, I do admit that in the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy, we couldn’t play the kind of cricket that was needed.”

Addressing criticism over Sufiyan Muqeem’s exclusion, he said, “People are asking why Sufiyan Muqeem wasn’t included, but the reality is that the boy has no first-class career. We gave him a chance, and he played just one match, yet now it is being said that if he had played, we would have won.”

Pakistan is out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.

An internal power struggle between skipper Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aqib Javed overshadowed the team’s performance, ultimately leading to the national cricket team’s humiliation in the Champions Trophy, a private media outlet has claimed.

According to reports, Rizwan was visibly frustrated over not being consulted on key decisions. While he pushed for Khushdil Shah’s inclusion to the squad, Aqib insisted on adding Faheem Ashraf. The selectors and Rizwan were also not on the same page, further complicating matters, reports said.

The reports come days after defending champions and hosts Pakistan lost two of their three Champions Trophy fixtures and were knocked out of the tournament. Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.

Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had prior to the tournament suggested two squad revisions, but his advice was ignored. Although he had the authority to enforce changes, he chose not to intervene directly.

Following Pakistan’s disappointing exit, PCB will review the team’s performance and hold discussions with the management to identify mistakes. Aqib, who was given the interim coaching role, does not intend to resign but will not continue as head coach. However, he is expected to retain an unofficial role in selection matters.

With public criticism mounting, PCB may be forced to make tough decisions, possibly dissolving the selection committee as well.

Another major concern for the board is Babar Azam’s prolonged dip in form, as he has failed to deliver impactful performances for over a year. Despite the selectors defending their squad choices, glaring flaws in team composition—especially in the opening, spin bowling, and all-rounder slots—have been exposed.