Pakistan cricket fans are no strangers to disappointment, but the current situation feels like a whole new low. With below-par performances stacking up and a string of losses to their name, the national team’s struggles on the field have raised eyebrows—and not just for their cricketing abilities. Many are pointing fingers at the growing political interference in the sport as a major factor behind the downfall.
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
The decline began with a poor showing in the Asia Cup 2023, followed by an early exit from the ODI World Cup 2023. Winning just four out of nine matches in the World Cup left fans disheartened, but it didn’t stop there.
Pakistan then suffered a whitewash in a two-Test series against Bangladesh, leaving the Men in Green at their lowest Test ranking in nearly six decades.
These continuous losses aren’t just a blow to Pakistan’s record—they’re also crushing the spirits of a cricket-loving nation. Losing 10 home Tests in a row has only made things worse, with fans now left wondering if the “good old days” of Pakistan cricket are long gone.
Is Politics Hurting Cricket?
A major reason many point to for the team’s struggles is political interference. Pakistan’s current PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is also serving as the country’s interior minister. Critics argue that this dual role raises questions about the PCB’s leadership.
Former prime minister Imran Khan has also weighed in, accusing Naqvi of “annihilating” the team. According to Imran, placing unqualified and politically connected individuals in key roles is damaging both the team and the institution.
This isn’t the first time politics has crossed over into cricket in Pakistan. When Imran Khan was in office, he appointed Ramiz Raja as PCB chairman and even made changes to the domestic cricket format.
Reports also suggest that Imran recommended Babar Azam as captain, sidelining Sarfaraz Ahmed. These decisions have added fuel to the ongoing debate about how much influence politics should have in the sport.
What the Experts Say
Cricket journalist Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi has openly talked about how the instability at the PCB has affected on-field performance. “When we have chaos and chronic instability within the management of the board, it will reflect on-field performances,” he said.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi echoed similar thoughts, saying the PCB has become a “sinecure” job for those looking to bolster their reputations. He criticized the appointments of people without cricket knowledge, including judges, bureaucrats, and cricketers lacking managerial experience, to top positions.
Read More: Iftikhar Ahmed Calls Himself A Tailender — Is He Joking Or Frustrated?
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
Pakistan cricket has been without a major international triumph since winning the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. The most recent glimmer of hope came in 2022, when the team reached the final of the T20 World Cup.
However, they were quickly brought back down to earth after shock losses to the USA and Ireland in the 2024 edition of the tournament. The defeat to Bangladesh in the Test series has further intensified the scrutiny of Naqvi’s leadership.
Both parliament and the press have called for him to step down. With no home Test wins since February 2021 and a team struggling to regain its form, Pakistan cricket needs a clear strategy and, perhaps more importantly, a stable and focused leadership.
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