Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Mohammad Rizwan-led side's poor campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan are out of the tournament after losing their first two group-stage matches against New Zealand and India respectively.
Imran believes that cricket will be "destroyed" if "favourites" are put in decision-making positions. Mohammad Rizwan-led side are currently facing a lot of criticism as Pakistan who got the opportunity to host an ICC tournament after a long gap of 29 years has been knocked out of the mega event in a matter of just 5 days.
"Imran says cricket will be eventually destroyed when favourites are put in decision-making positions," Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, told reporters, as quoted by Geo News.
After losing their first two league matches, Pakistan needed a favour from Bangladesh to stage a victory over New Zealand. However, on Monday, the relentless Kiwis took the Tigers down with a five-wicket win in Rawalpindi to seal their trip to the semi-finals with India.
Imran Khan also raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi and said that whenever he
comes to power, he makes a "mess" of it.
"Imran Khan said that no one in Pakistan has as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi has. When Naqvi was appointed [Punjab] Chief Minister, he committed injustices. He is appointed interior minister, he again committed injustices. Whichever position he is appointed, he makes a mess of it," Aleema Khan said as quoted by The Express Tribune.
"Imran Khan said that a respectable man would resign after such a poor performance but this could not happen," she added.
After losing their first two group stage matches, Pakistan will face Bangladesh for their last group stage match at the National Stadium in Rawalpindi. This match would be a dead rubber as both teams have already been knocked out of the tournament.