Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi has criticized Imran Khan for Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy, where the team suffered an embarrassing exit. He cites a decline beginning in 2019 due to management changes and political interference, leading to mismanagement and discord within the team. Despite these challenges, Sethi believes that recognizing core issues can help restore Pakistan’s cricketing success.
In a recent online critique, Najam Sethi, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), directed sharp criticism towards ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy. The national team, once a proud host and reigning champion, faced humiliation by losing their initial two matches in Group A, igniting discussions about their current standing in the cricket world.
Sethi’s distress was evident as he expressed disbelief over Pakistan’s decline, stating, “How come a cricket team that was once no 1 in T20s and Tests and ODIs, which won the WC in 1992 and CT in 2017, is today equated with Zimbabwe?” He highlighted a broader discontent within the cricket community, noting that the nation feels it has reached a low point with the team’s performance.
He attributed the start of this decline to 2019 when a new PCB administration, influenced by political changes, attempted to overhaul the traditional domestic cricket structure. Sethi criticized the adoption of an unsuitable Australian model, citing political interference and inconsistent policies as catalysts for the team’s turmoil. He remarked that the management changes resulted in hiring and dismissal of foreign coaches, arbitrary selector appointments, and internal disputes among players.
Despite the grim situation, Sethi maintains optimism for a resurgence. He expressed confidence that Pakistan can regain its stature in cricket if the issues are accurately identified and addressed. He mentioned, “We can certainly restore our cricket fortunes if we recognise the nature of the problems and marshal the integrity, experience, knowledge and professionalism required to do the job.”
In sum, the recent criticism directed at Imran Khan by Najam Sethi emphasizes the significant decline of Pakistan cricket since 2019, characterized by political interference and management issues. The former PCB chairman’s call for a return to professionalism and structure aims to revive the team’s fortunes. Sethi’s reflections highlight a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket, underscoring the need for strategic reform and unity to restore its former glory.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
