Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur conceded his team were woeful in Sunday's Champions Trophy defeat against India but said it was an "insult" to suggest that the squad had regressed under him.

In the end, one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament proved a damp squib as India utterly dominated every aspect of a stop-start, rain-interrupted 124-run victory.

Explore: Champions Trophy encounter: Pakistan concedes to India in one-sided contest

"That's a total insult to say we're playing even worse," said the 49-year-old South African, who took on the role a little more than a year ago, after his team succumbed meekly at a packed Edgbaston ground.

"If you have a look at our records over the last year we've won two series. We've got ourselves from nine to number eight (in the ODI rankings) and our brand of cricket has changed."

Pakistan won the toss but nothing else went right for them as they dropped catches, persisted with bowlers who bled runs and folded inside 34 overs with the bat.

"We had a poor game," the former South Africa and Australia coach added. "But we're obviously trying our best and we're trying to change it.

"It's not going to happen overnight. We're trying every day. Every time we go down to training, we try and get the basics right. We didn't do it today. And that's disappointing."

Apart from the manner of their surrender, Pakistan are also fretting on the fitness of fast bowlers Muhammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.

Amir bowled 8.1 overs before developing severe cramp and leaving the field, while Riaz, who conceded 87 runs in 8.4 wicketless overs in the most expensive spell of five-plus overs in tournament history, hobbled off after twisting an ankle.

"I don't know why they're cramping," Arthur said. "That's something that I need to take up with the medical team."

Pakistan play South Africa in their next Group B match at the same venue on Wednesday.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...