Imran Khan, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, expressed disappointment over Pakistan's loss to India and their embarrassing exit from the Champions Trophy, as shared by his sister, Aleema Khan. After visiting the former Prime Minister of Pakistan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Aleema revealed that Imran was upset with Pakistan's poor performance against their arch-rivals India on Sunday, February 23 in Dubai.
In the most high-profile match of the Champions Trophy held in Dubai, Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat. Virat Kohli crafted a brilliant century, and India effortlessly chased down the target of 241 runs.
According to PTI news agency, Aleema mentioned that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed deep grief over the loss against India. Aleema mentioned that Imran watched the match from prison.
Imran Khan also questioned the capabilities of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Mohsin Naqvi and expressed dissatisfaction with the appointments made by the current government in top cricket administration positions.
Source: aajtak
Aleema remarked—Imran stated that cricket would undoubtedly suffer if favorites are placed in decision-making positions.
Allegations by Najam Sethi Against Imran
On the other hand, former PCB chief Najam Sethi accused Imran Khan of causing Pakistan cricket's downfall during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Najam Sethi, who resigned as PCB chief after Imran's election, claimed that the former captain messed with the domestic cricket structure, leading to the collapse of Pakistan's 'talent pipeline.'
In 2019, under Imran's directives, PCB altered the domestic cricket structure, replacing the long-standing 16-18 departmental and regional associations system with a 'six-team first-class competition.'
Imran's former colleague Ramiz was appointed PCB chief in 2021, but following the fall of Imran's government, he had to step down.
Sethi stated that the decline in Pakistan cricket began in 2019, when new management under a new Prime Minister/patron altered the domestic cricket structure, which had served Pakistan well for decades, and replaced it with an unsuitable Australian hybrid model. Political interference continued during this period, and contradictory PCB policies became the norm.
Foreign coaches were hired and then sent back, selectors were arbitrarily nominated, and previously removed individuals were rehired, leading to factionalism within the team, which crippled management. The dire consequences are now evident.
Instability is likely to persist in Pakistan cricket, as interim head coach Aqib Javed may be dismissed barely four months after his appointment.
