Imran Khan's Critique: Pakistan Cricket's Ongoing Struggle

Imran Khan, former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend, criticized Pakistan's recent ICC Champions Trophy performance, blaming favoritism in leadership for their exit. He questioned the competence of PCB's chairman Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting the team's persistent poor performance in international tournaments.

World Cup-winning captain and former Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has voiced his disappointment over Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, cautioning that cricket faces potential ruin if favoritism dictates decision-making roles.

The host nation, graced with the opportunity to hold an ICC tournament after 29 long years, was eliminated within five days, a blow that deeply frustrated its fanbase.

Aleema Khan, sister to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, reported to Geo News that Imran Khan believed the sport would suffer should 'favorites' continue to occupy critical positions.

This tournament further tarnished Pakistan's recent history in ICC events, as the team, after losing to both New Zealand and India, needed a victory from Bangladesh over New Zealand to progress, a favor that did not materialize.

Additionally, Khan criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, asserting that his leadership frequently results in turmoil. Aleema Khan further relayed Imran Khan's belief that a 'respectable man' would step down after such failures, accusations reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the team's leadership.

Pakistan's last group-stage match against Bangladesh, set in Rawalpindi, stands as a mere formality since both squads have been eliminated. The Men in Green's disappointing runs in major tournaments, such as last year's T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Pakistan finished fifth, underscore the team's ongoing struggles on the international stage.