RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s last Champions Trophy group match with Bangladesh on Thursday was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Rawalpindi because of rain, ensuring the host country’s title defense ended with a wet whimper.
Pakistan, who won the 50-over tournament in 2017, lost to New Zealand and India and finish bottom of Group A.
Their last match had only pride at stake for both teams, with Bangladesh similarly out of the running for the semifinals.
Pakistan’s failure to advance beyond the group phase or even win a game was a huge letdown for a country hosting its first major tournament in three decades.
Pakistan finished fourth and last with one point in three matches, a position below Bangladesh, who also have one point in as many games but a better net run-rate.
Overnight rain in Rawalpindi continued on and off and despite several inspections by the umpires, no play was possible.
India and New Zealand progressed to the semifinals from Group A.
In Group B, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan compete for the other two semifinal spots. England are out of contention.
Pakistan-Bangladesh match washed out as hosts make meek exit
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Pakistan-Bangladesh match washed out as hosts make meek exit
- Pakistan crashed out of Champions Trophy after losses to New Zealand, India
- India and New Zealand progress to Champions Trophy semifinals from Group A
Pakistan offers seaport for global cargo transshipment amid Gulf conflict escalation
- Karachi Port Trust says its services can ensure ‘continuity and stability’ of maritime trade
- The region is currently witnessing significant disruptions to global trade and oil shipments
KARACHI: Pakistan has offered its Karachi seaport for uninterrupted global cargo transshipments as escalating Middle East tensions threaten maritime trade, the country’s largest port operator said on Friday.
Iran has been rocked by joint US and Israeli strikes since Feb. 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US, Israeli and allied targets across the Gulf, plunging the region into conflict and uncertainty.
The escalation disrupted air travel, heightened military activity, and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments.
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said in a statement it was ready to support international shipping lines by offering transshipment services to regional ports, helping ensure the “continuity and stability” of global maritime trade.
“Karachi Port Trust remains fully prepared to support the international maritime community and to provide reliable, efficient, and secure port services in the interest of sustaining regional trade connectivity,” KPT Chairman Shahid Ahmed said, according to a statement circulated by the port authority.
It added the facility could help stabilize maritime trade by offering transshipment services for cargo destined for ports across the region.
The statement said as a demonstration of its capability, international vessels MV TS TACOMA and MV TS SYDNEY arrived in Karachi and discharged large number of containers as transshipment cargo.
“The containers will subsequently be transshipped from Karachi to Jebel Ali in the Middle East,” it continued.
Pakistan Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday highlighted the importance of the Gwadar port city’s transshipment role as major shipping routes face disruption from the ongoing conflict.
The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway between Iran and Oman and one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has been blocked by Iran which has threatened to attack ships that attempt to transit through it.
US President Donald Trump has assured shipping companies of naval escorts and insurance support to protect vessels.
The escalating tensions have contributed to a sharp rise in energy prices and significant disruptions to tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan has long viewed its seaports as strategic assets that could boost trade with Central Asia and the Gulf region, while helping the country earn valuable foreign exchange.
