ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to take notice of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, following the national cricket team’s early elimination from the tournament. The matter is expected to be raised in both the cabinet and parliament, with potential scrutiny of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s aide on Political and Public Affairs, confirmed that the prime minister would personally address the issue and urged for it to be discussed in the cabinet and parliament. “We will also ask him to raise these cricket-related concerns in both the cabinet and parliament,” Sanaullah stated during an appearance on a private television channel.
Pakistan’s exit from the tournament came after consecutive defeats to New Zealand and arch-rivals India, which led to their elimination. The Green Shirts, led by Mohammad Rizwan, were defending their title in the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades. Despite a match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi today, it has been rendered meaningless as both teams have already been knocked out.
Concerns Over PCB Governance and Financial Management
Sanaullah also criticized the PCB’s governance, suggesting that the board has been operating without accountability for years. “This issue is not just about one chairman’s appointment. Look at the last five to ten years to see the situation,” he said.
He further expressed concerns about the financial mismanagement within the PCB, stressing that the amount spent on professional-level cricket should be made transparent. “The sport at the college and district level is in poor shape, yet Rs5 million is being paid to mentors who openly admit on television they don’t know their responsibilities,” he added. Sanaullah also pointed out the perks enjoyed by board officials, questioning whether they were working for a Pakistani institution or a developed nation.
Call for Structural Reforms in PCB
The Prime Minister’s aide emphasized the need for structural reforms within the PCB to ensure a more consistent and transparent system. “These issues have persisted for years. People take charge at the cricket board, do whatever they want, and this leads to the board’s current state,” he remarked.
Sanaullah also drew attention to similar problems in other sports associations, where officials retire and then return to benefit from the privileges associated with their positions.
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy adds to a growing list of disappointing international performances in recent times.
