Former Pakistan cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz has held the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responsible for the national team’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while also taking shots at current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The Mohammad Rizwan-led side had a disastrous campaign, failing to secure a single win in the tournament after suffering consecutive losses to New Zealand and India, before their final match against Bangladesh was washed out in Rawalpindi.
The defending champions had entered the tournament with high expectations but were among the first teams eliminated after back-to-back defeats in the group stage, leading to an outcry from the general public and cricket pundits alike.
Sarfraz Nawaz, a vocal critic of the PCB, blamed the team’s downfall on mismanagement at the highest level. Speaking about the team’s poor performance, Nawaz revealed that he had previously written to the PCB chairman, pointing out his lack of cricketing knowledge and suggesting improvements. However, his advice was seemingly ignored.
“I have written to the PCB chairman because he does not understand cricket. I gave him suggestions, but it’s his decision whether to follow them. Pakistan cricket has hit rock bottom, and the blame lies with PCB officials,” said Sarfraz Nawaz.
He further criticized the constant changes in PCB leadership, noting that Pakistan has seen three chairmen and four captains in just 18 months, leading to instability within the team.
“PCB is being run by bureaucrats, not cricketers. They have brought in people who have previously harmed Pakistan cricket. With so many changes in such a short time, what else can you expect?” he added.
With Pakistan’s Champions Trophy title defense ending in disaster, serious questions are being raised about the team’s direction under the current administration. Sarfraz Nawaz’s remarks highlight growing frustration over PCB’s governance, with fans and former players alike demanding major structural changes to revive Pakistan cricket. The outcome remains to be seen.