Sindh’s Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar has raised concerns over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) talent identification process, claiming it is riddled with flaws and fails to provide equal opportunities to players from Sindh. In a strongly worded statement from Karachi, Mahar criticized the PCB’s system, asserting that if cricketers from Sindh continue to be overlooked, the province will establish its own cricket board.
“Cricket is not limited to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—Karachi has immense talent too. If our players are not given their rightful place on merit, we will form our own board,” Mahar declared. His comments highlight a growing dissatisfaction with regional representation in Pakistan’s domestic structure, particularly regarding talent emerging from Sindh.
Mahar also took aim at the PCB’s talent-hunting initiatives, describing them as deeply flawed. His remarks suggest a lack of faith in the current system, which he believes does not fairly assess or promote players from Sindh. The demand for a more transparent and inclusive selection process is nothing new. The Sindh Sports Minister’s complaint echoes past grievances from various provinces about unequal representation in the national cricket team.
Despite his criticism of the PCB, Mahar assured that Sindh will play its part in welcoming the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with great enthusiasm. Karachi is set to host several key matches, and the provincial government has committed to making the tournament’s reception memorable and grand.
With his bold statement and unwavering stance, Mahar has sparked a debate on whether cricket administration in Pakistan truly ensures fair opportunities for all regions. Whether his warning leads to tangible changes in the PCB’s policies remains to be seen.