Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Fakhar Zaman says Pakistan feel pressure to win an ICC trophy
Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman says the team feels pressure to win an ICC trophy after years without one.
Pakistan last won an ICC event in 2017 and lost the 2022 T20 World Cup final to England.
The 2027 50-overs World Cup is Pakistan's next chance to end that wait, with matches scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Fakhar said fans are disappointed when the team does not win, while success brings public support.
Pakistan will use a tri-series with England and Sri Lanka to test team combinations ahead of the World Cup.
The players have also had domestic 50-overs experience, which Fakhar said can help them adapt to the international format.
Fakhar Zaman says Pakistan’s players feel pressure to end the country’s wait for an ICC trophy.
Pakistan last won an ICC title in 2017, when it beat India in the Champions Trophy final.
The team’s last appearance in an ICC tournament final was the 2022 T20 World Cup, where it lost to England.
Fakhar hopes Pakistan can win the 2027 50-over World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
He says an upcoming tri-series with England and Sri Lanka will help Pakistan build its World Cup team combination.
- Who
- Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan team.
- What
- Fakhar says the team feels pressure to win an ICC trophy and hopes to end the drought at the 2027 World Cup.
- When
- Fakhar spoke to reporters on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The World Cup is scheduled for 2027.
- Where
- Fakhar spoke to the media in Rawalpindi. The World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Why
- Pakistan has not won an ICC title since 2017, and Fakhar says supporters are disappointed by the wait.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pakistan beat India in the Champions Trophy final to win its last ICC title.
Pakistan lost to England in the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne.
Fakhar spoke to reporters about the pressure to win an ICC trophy and the team’s preparations.
Pakistan will have its next chance to end the drought at the 50-over World Cup.
- Last ICC title
- 2017 Champions Trophy
- Last ICC tournament final
- 2022 T20 World Cup; Pakistan lost to England
- Next World Cup
- 2027 50-over World Cup
- World Cup hosts
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
- Upcoming preparation
- Tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka
4 sources
'There is pressure on us': Pakistan's ICC trophy drought adds to players' burden
Pakistan players under pressure to end ICC trophy drought: Fakhar Zaman
Pakistan cricketers under pressure to deliver ICC trophy, Fakhar Zaman admits
Fakhar Zaman Confident Pakistan Can End ICC Trophy Drought At 2027 World Cup
What people are saying
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
The happiness you experience as a nation after winning a trophy is different from reaching semi-finals or finals
We are taking it very seriously. We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan
The idea is to start building a perfect combination for the World Cup from now, and the good thing is most of our players are going into the tri-series having played domestic cricket