Imran Khan Blasts Current Regime for Ruining Pakistan Cricket
From behind bars, former Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan has sharply criticized the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) administration, accusing it of undermining the nation’s cherished sport. Khan, who is currently held in Adiala Jail, voiced his frustrations after Pakistan’s crushing defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi.
In a rare jailhouse interview, Khan, now a PTI leader, emphasized cricket’s pivotal role in Pakistani culture, describing it as the sport that unites the nation in front of the television. He blamed the team’s recent poor performance on the appointment of unqualified officials, who he claims were placed there by influential figures seeking to exert control over the sport.
“Cricket is the only sport that captivates the entire nation on TV, but even that has been destroyed by powerful factions who installed unqualified officials to retain their control,” Khan declared. He lamented the team’s recent shortcomings, noting their failure to reach the top four in the World Cup or the top eight in T20 competitions. The latest defeat to Bangladesh, he argued, represents a new low for Pakistani cricket.
Khan’s comments follow Pakistan’s 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh, a stark decline from their impressive victory over India by the same margin just two-and-a-half years ago. “What has changed in these two-and-a-half years that led to such a humiliating loss to Bangladesh?” Khan questioned, placing the blame on the current cricket administration.
Khan’s criticism is echoed by other cricketing greats, such as Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan, who have also voiced concerns about the state of Pakistan’s cricket.
