Former fast bowler, directed his criticism at the PCB leadership, accusing them of lacking cricketing knowledge
27 February, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The defending champions were eliminated after losing their first two group-stage matches against New Zealand and India, and their final match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.
Nawaz, a former fast bowler, directed his criticism at the PCB leadership, accusing them of lacking cricketing knowledge and contributing to the decline of Pakistan cricket. He claimed that the board's bureaucratic officials were the reason behind the team’s poor performance, rather than former cricketers who understand the game better.
"I watch closely, and I occasionally write to the PCB chairman because he doesn't know much about cricket," Nawaz said.
"I have suggested things to him, but it’s up to him to act. Pakistan cricket is gone now. I believe this is because of all the PCB officials running the board," he added.
He continued, "They are non-cricketers; they are bureaucrats. That's why I think they don't know how to go about things like that. They’ve picked people who previously destroyed Pakistan cricket. And then there are frequent changes in the PCB. Within a year and a half, there were three chairmen and four captains. What else do you expect?"
Pakistan's campaign in the Champions Trophy began on a disappointing note with a heavy loss to New Zealand. Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging 320/5, with centuries from opener Will Young and wicketkeeper Tom Latham. Pakistan’s response was lackluster, managing only 260 runs before being bowled out in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 69 runs off 49 balls, while captain Babar Azam contributed 64 runs off 90 balls.
In their next match, Pakistan faced arch-rivals India in a must-win situation. However, their batting again failed to deliver, as they were bowled out for just 241 runs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 62 runs off 76 balls. India comfortably chased down the target of 242 with 45 balls to spare, with Virat Kohli’s brilliant century guiding them to victory.
Pakistan's final group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain, leaving them with no wins and at the bottom of the group. Despite the lack of a win, Nawaz remains adamant that the real issue lies with the PCB's leadership and lack of understanding of the game’s needs.
