Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has left fans frustrated, but no one seems more furious than Ahmed Shehzad. The outspoken batter didn’t hold back in his criticism of Pakistan’s cricket system, launching a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), team selection, and internal politics.
In a fiery interview, Shehzad made some bold claims, questioning the lack of merit-based selections, accusing senior players of forming cliques, and calling PCB’s so-called reforms a sham. His message? If Pakistan cricket doesn’t change, the team will keep failing.
“Selection Isn’t About Performance, It’s About Connections”
Shehzad believes Pakistan’s selection process is flawed. He didn’t mince words when he said that young, deserving players are ignored while those with the “right contacts” get a free pass.
“I’ve seen it firsthand. The PCB says selections are based on performance, but that’s not true. If you don’t have the right contacts, you don’t stand a chance,” Shehzad stated.
This isn’t a new accusation, but hearing it from a former national cricketer makes it all the more alarming. If true, it means that Pakistan’s best young talents might never get a fair shot at representing their country.
A Senior Players’ Monopoly?
Ahmed Shehzad also took aim at a group of six to eight senior players, accusing them of manipulating team selection. According to him, these players control the squad and make sure their “friends” stay in the team—even if they are out of form.
“There’s a group of seniors who have too much influence. They make sure only their close friends get selected. As a result, talented young players are left out while underperforming veterans stay in the team,” Shehzad revealed.
If these allegations are true, it’s a damning indictment of Pakistan cricket. How can the team progress if personal friendships matter more than performance?
PCB’s “Surgical Reforms” Are Just for Show
After Pakistan’s disastrous World Cup 2023 campaign, the PCB promised major reforms. But Shehzad believes these changes were nothing more than damage control.
“The PCB has made a few token changes—firing a selector, making some players scapegoats—but the system hasn’t changed. The same internal politics still exist, and nothing will improve unless real changes are made,” Shehzad argued.
He also criticized former cricketers-turned-analysts, accusing them of defending the system instead of exposing its flaws.
“They are being paid to defend the system rather than speak the truth. They are supposed to help Pakistan cricket, but all they do is maintain the status quo,” he added.
Domestic Cricket: A Talent Graveyard?
Ahmed Shehzad also slammed Pakistan’s domestic cricket, claiming that talent is overlooked in favor of players with influential backers.
“Young, talented players who don’t have the right connections are ignored. We have some of the best talent in the country, but it’s never given a chance to shine because of favoritism,” he stated.
This is one of the biggest complaints about Pakistan’s domestic system—players who dominate domestic tournaments are often ignored, while those with “support” find their way into the national team.
“It’s Time for Accountability”
Ahmed Shehzad ended with a powerful message—Pakistan cricket needs serious reforms. He called for transparency in selection, an end to favoritism, and a system where performance matters more than politics.
“We’ve supported this team for too long. It’s time for accountability. If you keep backing the same underperforming players, you can’t expect different results. There are young players who can turn things around, but only if they are given a fair chance,” he concluded.
With Pakistan finishing last in their group after losing to India and New Zealand, it’s clear that something is terribly wrong. But will the PCB listen? Or will Shehzad’s words, like many before him, fall on deaf ears?
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