Tue Feb 25 18:49:42 UTC 2025: ## Former PCB Chairman Blames Imran Khan for Pakistan Cricket’s Collapse

**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has indirectly accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan of causing the dramatic decline of Pakistan cricket. Sethi, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), linked the team’s current poor performance, culminating in their early exit from the Champions Trophy, to changes implemented during Khan’s tenure.

Pakistan’s recent struggles, according to Sethi, stem from a restructuring of domestic cricket in 2019. This restructuring, undertaken under Khan’s leadership and overseen by then-PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, replaced a long-standing system with a new model described by Sethi as an ill-suited “Australian hybrid.” Sethi contends this, along with subsequent political interference, inconsistent PCB policies, and a revolving door of coaches and selectors, contributed to the team’s downfall.

Sethi further highlighted the contrast between Pakistan’s past glories – including top rankings in various formats and victories in the 1992 Cricket World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy – and its current struggles, drawing comparisons to Zimbabwe. He also cited internal issues within the team, such as clashes between players and management, as contributing factors.

Sethi’s comments come after Pakistan’s early exit from the ongoing Champions Trophy. He served as PCB chairman from December 2022 to June 2023, a period following Khan’s removal from office. Khan’s appointment of Mani in 2019 and later Ramiz Raja in 2021 as PCB chairmen, also contributed to the ongoing woes, according to Sethi. Sethi himself resigned from the PCB shortly after Imran Khan became Prime Minister.

Despite the current crisis, Sethi expressed optimism that Pakistan cricket can be revived, emphasizing the need for integrity, experience, and professionalism within the organization.

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