Champions T20 Cup: Is it Really Helping Pakistan Cricket?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently hosting the Champions T20 Cup in Rawalpindi which will run until December 25th causing disruptions to the already chaotic domestic season in Pakistan. There is no need to be downbeat if you have not heard much about the tournament the excitement it promised to bring is noticeably absent.

With empty stands, a lack of superstar players, and mounting questions about its relevance, fans are left wondering the same thing: “But why?” 

Here are the issues taking the sheen off what should be an exciting time for local cricket fans.

The Shoaib Malik Conundrum: 

Ever heard the expression “Old is Gold”? I dare you to try and find a better example in cricket that this proverb applies to except maybe India’s MS Dhoni.

Unfortunately for the Champions T20 Cup, Malik summarises exactly what is not needed at the moment. 

At 42 years old, Malik remains on the field. He “mentors” the Stallions but is still churning out Man of the Match performances for the team. In a team that includes the promising talents of Mohammad Haris, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat and others, a semi-retired-but-yet-to-announce Shoaib Malik taking the spotlight especially away from Mehran Mumtaz does little to help Pakistan cricket’s future. 

Throw in the fact that Hussain Talat, who is unlikely to get a chance in Pakistan’s T20I setup is leading the run-scoring charts, followed by the 31-year-old Umer Siddiq Khan, and the overall feeling is that Malik’s dual role underscores a larger issue in Pakistan cricket: a reluctance to fully embrace the future by providing consistent opportunities to promising youngsters.

In a time when others have managed to build Tilak Varma’s, Abhishek Sharma’s and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s, Pakistan has got.. (your guess is as good as mine)

Missed Opportunities for Emerging Talent

Perhaps the most significant shortcoming of the Champions T20 Cup is its failure to serve as a breeding ground for fresh talent. With the tournament condensed into a short span and dominated by journeymen cricketers, the chances of unearthing a breakout star appear slim.

In contrast, events like the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have consistently given young players a platform to shine alongside international stars. However,t with no long-term planning evident in this tournament, the Champions T20 Cup seems more like a stopgap rather than a meaningful addition to Pakistan’s cricket calendar.

Superstars Missing in Action

Say what you want about Babar Azam’s form, Shaheen Afridi’s lack of pace and Mohammad Rizwan’s lack of off-side game, the undeniable fact is that these names put people in seats. All three are not in Pakistan at the moment. 

The timing of the Champions T20 Cup has drawn criticism as Pakistan’s top-tier cricketers are on a crucial tour of South Africa. Their absence leaves the tournament stripped of marquee players who would typically manage to draw crowds. Without the country’s biggest names, the competition feels less like a showcase of elite cricket and more like an afterthought.

Empty Stands Despite Free Tickets

Adding to the tournament’s woes is the glaring absence of fans, in a city where cricket typically fills stadiums when teams visit, the stands remain embarrassingly empty—even with entry being free. The timing and lack of high-profile stars seem to have sapped the interest of fans, who are eagerly waiting for updates on Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Champions Trophy is set to be a landmark event, but the country’s cricketing calendar appears clogged with events like the Champions T20 Cup, which offers little in terms of excitement or substance.

A Tournament Without a Purpose

The Champions T20 Cup was meant to reignite Pakistan’s passion for cricket, but instead, it has left fans disillusioned. Without its superstars, lacking young blood, and overshadowed by the anticipation of the Champions Trophy, the tournament has failed to capture the public’s imagination.

As the final overs of the Champions T20 Cup tick away, one question continues to echo louder than any cheer from the stands: “But why?”