Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has pointed fingers at former Prime Minister Imran Khan for the downfall of Pakistan cricket. In a social media post, Sethi acknowledged the frustration of fans following Pakistan’s elimination from the Champions Trophy after consecutive defeats.
He highlighted how a team that once held the No. 1 ranking in T20s (2018), Tests (2016), and ODIs (1990 and 1996), and won major titles like the 1992 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, is now struggling and being compared to lower-tier teams.
Changes in Domestic Structure and PCB Policies
Sethi attributed the decline to changes made in 2019 under Imran Khan’s leadership. When Imran became Prime Minister, he brought in Ehsan Mani as PCB chairman, leading to a major overhaul of domestic cricket. The traditional structure, which had served Pakistan for decades, was replaced by an Australian-style hybrid system. This move, according to Sethi, disrupted the development pipeline, weakening the foundation of Pakistan cricket.
Additionally, inconsistent PCB policies further worsened the situation. Frequent changes in foreign coaching staff, the arbitrary appointment of selectors, and the recruitment of retired players as mentors and administrators created instability. Sethi pointed out that these factors, combined with growing tensions among players and captaincy disputes, led to the national team’s current struggles.
Path to Revival
Despite the crisis, Sethi remains hopeful about Pakistan cricket’s revival. He stressed that the first step is acknowledging the underlying issues and addressing them with integrity, experience, and professionalism. He believes that with the right leadership and policies, Pakistan can reclaim its past glory.
Sethi also recalled how his resignation from the PCB in 2018 cleared the way for Ehsan Mani’s appointment. Under Imran Khan’s directive, the PCB restructured domestic cricket, replacing the 16–18 team system with a six-team first-class format. Later, in 2021, Imran appointed Ramiz Raja as chairman after Mani declined an extension. However, following Imran Khan’s ouster from power, Sethi returned as PCB chairman in December 2022, further reflecting the political influence over Pakistan cricket.
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