2025 proved to be a roller-coaster for Pakistan’s sports, featuring moments of glory alongside setbacks. Pakistan’s Sporting Year reflected both individual brilliance and team struggles, showing promise for the future.
Cricket Highlights
Cricket remained in the spotlight, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted on home soil for the first time since 1996. However, Pakistan exited early after losing the first two matches. Tensions with India further intensified during the Asia Cup T20I in the UAE, where India won all three encounters. Controversy arose as players refused handshakes and engaged in provocative gestures, prompting ICC review.
Despite senior team challenges, Pakistan’s youth teams shined. The Under-19 squad won the Asia Cup, defeating India by 191 runs, with opener Sameer Minhas scoring a record 172. The Pakistan Shaheens clinched the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title in a thrilling Super Over against Bangladesh A. Pakistan also triumphed in the Hong Kong Sixes, defeating Kuwait by 43 runs.
Hockey Revival
Hockey saw a positive turn, with Pakistan qualifying for the Pro Hockey League after New Zealand withdrew. At the FIH Nations Hockey Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Pakistan reached the final for the first time in 11 years, ultimately securing a silver medal. Renewed government support and youth development programs are helping restore the sport’s former glory.
Athletics and Individual Successes
Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem had a mixed year. Despite falling short at the World Athletics Championships, he won gold at the Asian Athletics Championships (86.40m) and the Islamic Solidarity Games (83.05m), keeping Pakistan visible on the global athletics stage.
Cue Sports and Squash
Snooker brought multiple wins, including the IBSF World Cup Team title and individual crowns in Masters and Under-17 events. In squash, Noor Zaman won the Nash Cup in London, Ontario, while Muhammad Ashab Irfan captured the St. Louis Open in the U.S., showcasing Pakistan’s growing presence in international tournaments.
Mountaineering Milestone
Pakistan’s Sporting Year also featured a historic mountaineering achievement. Sirbaz Khan became the first Pakistani to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen, joining an elite global group.
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Overall, Pakistan’s Sporting Year 2025 was a blend of triumphs, challenges, and inspiring individual feats. The year highlighted talent across cricket, hockey, athletics, squash, snooker, and mountaineering, offering hope for a brighter sporting future.
