Pakistan cricket has once again become the epicentre of intense national debate following a string of disappointing performances. Despite reaching the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, the team failed to progress to the semifinals, and successive defeats in the One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh have exacerbated concerns about the national squad’s capabilities and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management.
In a rare and direct critique, Pakistan’s veteran cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has openly accused the PCB of mismanagement. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad remarked, “Five to seven years ago, the standard of players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was significantly higher. Today, the majority of players are far behind that level. Currently, only six to eight players truly define the team—how can they alone turn the country’s cricket fortunes around?”
Shehzad further criticised the selection process, alleging systemic bias within the board. He stated that certain players receive disproportionate advantages, including captaincy roles and critical responsibilities, to the detriment of overall team performance. “In the PSL, sponsorships, promotions, and financial investments are concentrated in the hands of a few. Their focus is personal gain rather than on-field success,” he added.
The cricketer also highlighted the players’ lack of accountability, asserting, “Even after major failures, no one admits their mistakes. Blame-shifting continues unabated. The PCB is so weak that it is incapable of making effective decisions.”
According to Shehzad, the board has failed to cultivate new talent or raise team standards. “Each tournament ends with new strategies that only create confusion. In my career, I have never seen a board this ineffective,” he said.
The following table summarises Pakistan’s recent team performances:
| Tournament | Outcome | Notable Results | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2022 | Super Eight | Failed to reach semifinals | Biased selection, low player standards |
| Bangladesh ODI Series | Lost Series | Series ended in defeat | Repeated failures, lack of player accountability |
| PSL 2022–23 | Mixed Teams | Some teams performed well | Certain players given disproportionate advantages |
Cricket analysts argue that without a thorough restructuring of the team and reforms in PCB policies, the national side’s quality cannot improve. Shehzad’s criticisms highlight longstanding structural problems between the board and players.
The situation underscores that Pakistan cricket currently faces severe scrutiny. The combination of board inefficiency and biased practices threatens the sport’s future in the country, making urgent reforms indispensable.