Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked yet another debate. This time, it’s not just about the team’s performance but something much deeper—the selection process itself. And former captain Rashid Latif isn’t holding back.
Speaking on a post-match analysis show, Latif slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), questioning whether the team was truly selected on merit or if personal connections played a bigger role.
Pakistan’s Selection Woes – A Longstanding Problem
Let’s be real. Pakistan cricket has always been haunted by selection controversies. Whether it’s favoritism, politics, or last-minute changes, the team’s squad often raises eyebrows.
Rashid Latif, known for his straightforward opinions, pointed this out yet again.
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“This isn’t just about one bad game. We’ve been saying for a long time that this team is not selected on merit. How can a team be on merit if the chairman himself isn’t?”
That’s a strong statement. And it raises an even bigger question—is Pakistan cricket suffering because the leadership itself lacks credibility?
No Specialist Spinner, No Solid Openers – Who’s Responsible?
Rashid Latif didn’t just criticize the system. He also highlighted specific flaws in the playing XI against India.
- No specialist spinner – In a tournament where spin is crucial, Pakistan went in without a proper spinner. A tactical blunder? Absolutely.
- No reliable opening batsman – Pakistan’s openers have been inconsistent for years. And yet, no real solution has been found.
These aren’t just random mistakes. They point to deeper issues—poor team selection, lack of long-term planning, and a failure to adapt to modern cricket.
Leadership Issues Trickle Down to Players
Rashid Latif also spoke about how systemic flaws in leadership eventually affect the players.
“If those at the top don’t have the right cricketing knowledge, how can we expect the team to perform?”
It’s a valid argument. A strong cricket team isn’t just about talent; it’s about the right vision, leadership, and planning.
When decision-makers lack cricketing insight, teams end up making the same mistakes over and over again.
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History Repeats Itself—Again and Again
This isn’t the first time Pakistan’s selection has been called into question.
- We’ve seen talented players ignored in favor of those with stronger connections.
- We’ve watched out-of-form players being given endless chances while deserving youngsters wait on the sidelines.
- We’ve witnessed Pakistan struggle in major tournaments, often due to avoidable selection errors.
Latif’s comments serve as a reminder that until Pakistan cricket fixes its leadership and selection process, these problems will keep repeating.
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
So, what needs to change?
- Merit-based selection – Performance, not personal connections, should decide who makes the team.
- Cricket-minded leadership – The PCB needs people who understand the game, not just those who hold powerful positions.
- Long-term planning – Instead of last-minute fixes, Pakistan needs a clear strategy for the future.
Pakistan cricket has immense talent, but talent alone isn’t enough. Without the right system and leadership, the cycle of disappointment will continue.
It’s time for the PCB to wake up and listen. Or else, Pakistan fans will be having this same conversation again in 2027.
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