Senior Pakistan players' future in doubt after Champions Trophy disaster: report

Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, officials at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are currently reviewing on the future course of action for the team.

According to a media report, the future of senior players, who have been consistently performing for years, now appears uncertain. Players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are struggling to retain their spots in the team, while middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir's future is also at risk.

Experts are questioning why senior players, despite their recent failures, continue to be part of the team when there has been constant turnover at the top. Over the last three years, the PCB has seen four chairmen, eight coaches, and 26 selectors change, raising doubts about the stability and performance of the team. A major challenge for PCB officials and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is to break the influence of a specific group within the team. 

Allegedly, a group of seven to eight players is said to be blackmailing and lobbying to have their way, causing friction within the board.

Sources revealed that after the announcement of Pakistan's 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, the PCB had suggested at least two revisions to the selection committee. However, both the selectors and captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unresponsive to the suggestions. The selectors maintained a firm stance on certain issues, including team selections.

A reliable source also claimed that, at Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's behest, selectors held a 90-minute meeting at the National Academy’s boardroom but failed to reach any substantial decisions. The selectors were advised to replace two to three players and add an extra spinner to the squad. 

Before the match against India, PCB officials proposed to replace Imam-ul-Haq with Usman Khan as the opener, citing Usman’s experience in the UAE. However, Rizwan and the selectors stood firm and rejected the suggestion. Chairman Najam Sethi arrived in Islamabad late on Monday night after traveling from Dubai.

Sources also mention that during the flight from Karachi to Dubai, the Chairman encouraged the team, but the return journey was marked by a noticeable silence, reflecting the team's somber mood.

At present, Chairman Naqvi’s primary focus remains on the Champions Trophy, after which the Pakistani team will head to New Zealand for a white-ball series, with the first T20 match scheduled for March 16 in Christchurch.

While immediate changes are unlikely, sources claim that adjustments to the squad are inevitable. Decisions regarding changes in the selection committee and other key positions will be made after the New Zealand tour.

Meanwhile, head coach Aqib Javed is reportedly interested in taking up the position of Director at the National Academy. Current Academy Director Nadeem Khan is expected to join an upcoming PSL franchise next month, opening up the role for Javed.