Imran Khan Criticizes PCB Chairman After Pakistan’s Loss to India

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has expressed deep disappointment over the national cricket team’s performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan, the defending champions and host nation, faced an early exit from the tournament, marking a significant setback.

For the first time in 29 years, Pakistan hosted a global cricket tournament at home. However, the Mohammad Rizwan-led team was the first to be eliminated from the eight-team Champions Trophy, exiting after just four days. Pakistan lost their opening match against New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket defeat to India in Dubai. Their fate was sealed when New Zealand defeated Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, securing a spot in the semifinals alongside India. This marks the fourth time Pakistan has exited the Champions Trophy in the group stage, with previous exits in 2002, 2006, and 2013.

Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, conveyed his sentiments to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, stating, “The PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) founder expressed great sadness over losing the match against India.”

Pakistan is set to play their final game against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday. This marks the third consecutive ICC ODI tournament where Pakistan has failed to progress beyond the league stage. They finished fifth in the previous two ODI World Cups, with their last major achievement being the 2017 Champions Trophy title. Additionally, they suffered a shocking loss to the unranked USA during the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Imran Khan also criticized the leadership of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), particularly its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. Aleema Khan quoted Imran as saying, “Cricket will be eventually destroyed when favourites are put in decision-making positions.” He questioned Naqvi’s cricketing credentials and expressed concern over the impact of such appointments on the sport’s future in Pakistan.

Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup, emphasized the need for merit-based appointments in cricket administration to ensure the sport’s growth and success in the country.