Imran Khan Blamed: Pakistan’s Cricket Decline After Champions Trophy Exit

Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked debates on the country’s cricketing downfall. Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi has pointed fingers at ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, holding him responsible for the team’s decline. The nation, disheartened by back-to-back defeats, is questioning the leadership that led to this crisis.

Najam Sethi’s Accusation

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Najam Sethi indirectly blamed Imran Khan for Pakistan’s struggling cricket structure. Sethi, who served as PCB chairman from December 2022 to June 2023, believes that decisions taken during Imran’s tenure set Pakistan cricket on a downward trajectory.

“The nation’s frustration over the team’s performance is completely justified. But the root of the problem lies in past administrative decisions,” said Sethi.

The Downfall of Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan, the host nation for the Champions Trophy, was knocked out of the tournament after suffering consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India. This humiliating exit has left fans and cricket experts searching for answers.

Several factors have contributed to the decline:

• Frequent Changes in Leadership: Pakistan cricket has witnessed instability with multiple changes in captaincy and coaching staff in recent years.
• Selection Controversies: Players have been selected and dropped based on inconsistent criteria, impacting team morale.
• Lack of Long-Term Planning: Unlike successful cricketing nations, Pakistan has failed to establish a concrete plan for nurturing young talent.

Imran Khan’s Role in the Crisis

Imran Khan, a cricketing legend himself, played a pivotal role in reshaping Pakistan’s cricket structure during his tenure as Prime Minister. However, many believe his policies disrupted the traditional system rather than improving it. His decision to scrap departmental cricket—a structure that provided financial security and opportunities to domestic players—left many aspiring cricketers without a career path.

“When you eliminate a system that has produced legends, you leave a vacuum. The consequences are now visible in our national team’s performance,” said a former cricketer.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Disaster

Pakistan entered the tournament with high expectations, but their campaign ended in disaster:

• Loss Against India: Pakistan’s inability to chase down a moderate total exposed their weak batting lineup.
• Defeat to New Zealand: The second match saw the team struggle in all departments, leading to their elimination.
• Tactical Failures: Poor team selection, lack of aggression, and defensive playstyle contributed to their downfall.

What Lies Ahead?

With Pakistan out of the Champions Trophy, rebuilding the team is now the top priority. Experts suggest:

• A Stable Cricketing Board: Pakistan needs a consistent leadership structure to ensure proper planning.
• Focus on Domestic Cricket: Reviving departmental cricket or implementing a similar system could strengthen the domestic circuit.
• Investing in Young Talent: A long-term strategy is necessary to groom emerging players for the future.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit has brought the focus back to its deteriorating cricket structure. While Najam Sethi blames Imran Khan’s policies for the downfall, the real issue extends beyond politics. Pakistan cricket needs a major overhaul to regain its lost glory. Until then, the frustration of fans will only continue to grow.

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