Imran Khan faces criticism from Najam Sethi over Pakistan’s failure at the Champions Trophy, where the team was eliminated after two losses. Sethi attributes the decline to management changes and political interference since 2019. He stresses the need to rectify the situation and restore the team’s former glory, believing that recovery is possible with the right approach.
Imran Khan has come under fire for Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, with former PCB chairman Najam Sethi publicly criticizing his influence on the national cricket team’s decline. Despite being the host nation and defending champions, Pakistan suffered two consecutive losses in Group A, leading to early elimination from the tournament.
In a critical post on X (formerly Twitter), Sethi expressed frustration that a team with such a rich history, including former championships, is now compared to Zimbabwe. He stated, “The nation is justifiably angry. The cricket fraternity says Pakistan has hit rock bottom. How come a cricket team that was once no 1 in T20s (2018) and Tests (2016) and ODIs (1990 and 1996) … is today equated with Zimbabwe?”.
Sethi pointed to 2019 as a pivotal year, where a change in PCB management led to a disruptive overhaul of the domestic cricket structure. He highlighted the negative impact of political interference and inconsistent management on the team’s performance, noting, “The horrible result is before us.”
Despite the setbacks, Sethi remains optimistic about Pakistan’s cricket future. He argued that if the country can collectively address the issues hindering success, there is potential for recovery. He concluded that it is essential to get back integrity, experience, knowledge, and professionalism to restore cricket fortunes in Pakistan.
In summary, Imran Khan’s leadership during a critical period for Pakistan cricket has drawn significant criticism from Najam Sethi, who blames management changes and political interference for the team’s decline. Despite the dire situation, Sethi believes that with proper strategic changes, Pakistan can revive its cricket success. The future hinges on recognizing and addressing these underlying problems effectively.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
