In a scathing critique from behind bars, Pakistan’s legendary cricketer and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has lashed out at the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regime, accusing it of destroying the nation’s beloved sport. Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail, expressed his concerns following Pakistan’s humiliating defeat in the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
Speaking to journalists during a rare interaction in jail, the PTI leader highlighted the significance of cricket in Pakistan, noting that it is the only sport that captivates the entire nation on television. He attributed the decline in the team’s performance to the appointment of unqualified officials, allegedly favored by powerful quarters to maintain control over the sport.
“Cricket is the only sport the entire nation watches with great interest on TV, but even that has been destroyed by powerful quarters who brought in an unqualified, favored official to maintain their control,” Imran Khan stated. He lamented Pakistan’s recent failures, pointing out that the team did not make it to the top four in the World Cup or the top eight in T20 competitions. The recent defeat against Bangladesh, he argued, marked a new low for the team.
Imran Khan’s comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh, a stark contrast to the team’s performance just two-and-a-half years ago when they famously defeated India by 10 wickets. “What has happened in these two-and-a-half years that we lost to Bangladesh by 10 wickets?” Imran Khan questioned, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the current cricket administration.
The PTI leader isn’t the only one raising concern over the state of Pakistan’s cricket as former international legends like Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan have also expressed similar thoughts.