The exit of the Pakistan cricket team from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread debate across the country. Former cricketers, experts, and fans have been openly criticizing the team’s poor performance. Now, Pakistan’s former captain and World Cup-winning leader, Imran Khan, has also expressed his disappointment over the team’s dismal show. Currently serving a jail sentence on corruption charges, Imran Khan conveyed his frustration through his sister, Aleema Khan, who revealed his thoughts on the situation.
Pakistan’s Early Exit from the Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan, the host nation of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, was the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. This shocking exit has left cricket lovers in the country heartbroken and furious. Pakistan’s performance was far below expectations, failing to make it past the group stage. Fans had high hopes from the team, considering that they were playing on home soil, but the results have been extremely disappointing.
Despite having the home advantage, the Pakistan team struggled against top teams, leading to their early elimination. They lost crucial matches, which ultimately cost them a spot in the semi-finals. The last match of the group stage, scheduled against Bangladesh on February 27, is now just a formality, as Pakistan has no chance of progressing further in the tournament.
Imran Khan’s Disappointment
Former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, who is currently in jail, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. According to his sister Aleema Khan, Imran believes that favoritism in team selection has led to the downfall of Pakistan cricket. She stated, “Imran says that as long as officials continue selecting their favorite players instead of deserving ones, Pakistan cricket will keep suffering.”
Imran Khan’s concerns about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its selection policies are not new. Over the past few years, there have been constant changes in PCB leadership, selection committees, and even team captains. However, despite these changes, Pakistan’s performance on the field has not improved. Many experts believe that internal politics and favoritism have played a major role in the team’s continued failures.
The Fall of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan cricket, once a dominant force in international cricket, has been on a downward trajectory for several years. While teams like India, Australia, and England have progressed rapidly, Pakistan has struggled to maintain consistency. The frequent changes in leadership within the PCB have created instability, leading to poor decision-making and lack of direction for the team.
In the last few years, Pakistan cricket has witnessed:
- Frequent changes in PCB chairmanship
- Unstable selection policies
- Multiple captaincy changes
- Poor performances in ICC events
Despite the presence of talented players, the team has failed to deliver when it matters the most. The lack of a proper strategy, inconsistent team selection, and weak leadership have resulted in repeated failures on the big stage.
Former PCB Chairman Blames Imran Khan for Cricket’s Downfall
The deteriorating state of Pakistan cricket has also led to a blame game among former PCB officials. Ex-PCB Chairman Najam Sethi directly blamed Imran Khan for the decline of Pakistan cricket. According to Sethi, the downfall of Pakistan cricket began when Imran Khan’s government came into power in 2019. He claimed that excessive political interference in cricket administration led to poor decision-making and instability in the PCB.
Sethi stated that the changes made under Imran Khan’s leadership, including the restructuring of domestic cricket and the introduction of a new cricket model, negatively impacted the development of players. Many cricket analysts have also criticized these reforms, arguing that they failed to strengthen Pakistan cricket at the grassroots level.
Pakistan’s Missed Opportunity as Champions Trophy Host
After a long wait of 29 years, Pakistan finally got the opportunity to host an ICC event. The Champions Trophy 2025 was expected to be a turning point for Pakistan cricket, providing the team with a chance to shine in front of their home crowd. However, the reality turned out to be completely different, as the host nation suffered a humiliating early exit from the tournament.
The failure to progress beyond the group stage has not only hurt Pakistan’s cricketing reputation but also raised serious questions about the future of the team. Many experts believe that unless significant changes are made in Pakistan’s cricket administration, the team will continue to struggle in major tournaments.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan Cricket?
The poor performance in the Champions Trophy has left Pakistan cricket at a crossroads. If the team wants to compete with the best in the world, major reforms are needed. Here are a few key areas that need urgent attention:
- Selection Based on Merit – The team must be selected based on performance and not favoritism. Only the best players should be given opportunities to represent the country.
- Stable Leadership in PCB – Constant changes in PCB leadership have caused instability. A long-term vision and proper planning are necessary for the team’s success.
- Better Domestic Structure – Strengthening domestic cricket is crucial for developing future stars. Pakistan needs to invest in improving its domestic tournaments and facilities.
- Strong Captaincy and Coaching Staff – A capable leader on the field and a strong support staff can make a significant difference in team performance.
- Reducing Political Interference – Cricket should be run by professionals who understand the game, not by politicians with personal agendas.
Pakistan’s exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has once again highlighted the deep-rooted issues in the country’s cricket system. Imran Khan’s frustration from jail reflects the disappointment of millions of fans who expected better from the team. While Pakistan cricket has a glorious past, its present state is concerning, and without proper reforms, the future looks uncertain.
The failure of the team has reignited debates about leadership, selection policies, and the role of PCB in shaping the future of Pakistan cricket. If Pakistan wants to regain its lost glory, urgent changes are needed at all levels of cricket administration. Otherwise, the downfall of Pakistan cricket will continue, leaving fans heartbroken for years to come.
