In the aftermath of Pakistan’s humiliating early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political and public affairs advisor, Rana Sanaullah has announced that the government will take notice of the national cricket team’s dismal performance.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of the PML-N, stated that PM Shehbaz Sharif would personally address the team’s performance. He added that the issue would be raised in both the cabinet and parliament, signaling a potential government intervention in cricket affairs.
While acknowledging that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is an independent body, Rana Sanaullah said he would urge the Prime Minister to take up the matter at the highest levels of government.
Critics, however, argue that such statements reflect unnecessary political interference in sports, which could further destabilize the already struggling cricket board.
Rana Sanaullah also aimed the salaries and privileges of PCB officials, describing them as excessive and unjustified.
He expressed astonishment at the perks enjoyed by PCB officials, questioning whether they belonged to a Pakistani institution or a developed country.
Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been widely criticized. Hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, the national team was eliminated just four days into the tournament after failing to win a single match in the group stage. The Men in Green’s secured just one point, which was only due to their final group stage match against Bangladesh ending in a washout.