Cricket

Pakistan's recent dismal performance in international cricket has sparked concerns about the intrusion of politics into the sport. Critics argue that nepotism and political interference at the top are hindering progress on the field.After a humiliating 0-2 home series loss to Bangladesh, Pakistan dropped to ninth place in the Test rankings, their lowest position in nearly six decades. This followed a string of disappointing results, including early eliminations from the 50-over and T20 World Cups.The current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, is also the interior minister, a demanding full-time role in a country facing increased terrorist threats. This dual responsibility has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the PCB.Over the past two years, Pakistani cricket has witnessed a revolving door of coaches, board chairs, and captains, as well as multiple changes to domestic competition formats. Analysts attribute this instability to political whims."This has a knock-on effect on team performance," said cricket journalist Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi. "When we have chaos and chronic instability within the management of the board, it will reflect on-field performances."Cricket is Pakistan's most popular sport, with players revered as national heroes. The sport transcends social divisions and carries significant cultural and political cachet. Former prime minister Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 ODI World Cup, used his cricketing achievements to launch his political career.Khan, who was recently imprisoned on charges he claims are politically motivated, has criticized the current state of cricket in Pakistan. He alleges that "favorites have been imposed" to run the sport and that Naqvi has "annihilated" the team.Nepotism and favoritism are prevalent in Pakistan. Khan, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, is accused of using his political influence to appoint his preferred PCB chief and interfere in the game's structure.Journalist Najam Sethi, a former PCB chairman, believes the position has become a "sinecure" for those seeking prestige. "Generals, judges, and bureaucrats with no knowledge of the game have been appointed," he said.Pakistan's last major victory was the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Their most recent home Test win was in February 2021. They reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup but suffered shock defeats to Ireland and the United States in the first round of the 2024 competition.Naqvi and the system that appointed him have come under intense scrutiny following the Bangladesh defeat. Calls for his resignation have intensified, with the Express Tribune newspaper accusing him of "ruining" the game.The incongruity of Naqvi's dual roles became evident when he presided over a press conference where he discussed both a mass-casualty militant attack and cricket. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's adviser, Rana Sanaullah Khan, hinted that support for the PCB chief was waning at the top.

Pakistan Cricket Coach Resigns Amidst Allegations of Corruption and NepotismFormer fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has resigned from his position as a regional coach at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing rampant political interference, favouritism, and nepotism in cricket affairs at the grassroots level.In his resignation letter, Shabbir, who served as the head coach in the Dera Ghazi Khan region, expressed his frustration with the deplorable conditions prevalent in Pakistani cricket. He stated that merit was disregarded in player selection, with political connections and favouritism taking precedence."How can Pakistan cricket improve when there is no merit in selection of players at regional level and there is so much interference and nepotism and favouritism by cricket officials?" Shabbir said.Shabbir had taken on the role of head coach in Dera Ghazi Khan with the aim of promoting and developing the game at the district and regional levels. However, he found the situation untenable and chose to distance himself from the current state of affairs."Unfortunately what I have experienced is very frustrating. A player who works hard throughout the year and is a good talent is overlooked in the final selection to pick a player who use political and other connections to get in," he said.Shabbir's resignation comes amidst Pakistan's recent 0-2 loss to Bangladesh, a result that has highlighted the decline of Pakistani cricket. Shabbir believes that the current system is hindering the development of talented players and contributing to the team's poor performance."Even if coaches who are sincere want to do something they are helpless in the existing system," Shabbir said.The PCB has yet to comment on Shabbir's resignation, but his allegations have raised serious concerns about the state of cricket in Pakistan. If the PCB fails to address these issues, it could have a detrimental impact on the future of the sport in the country.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan faced severe criticism on social media after being dismissed for a golden duck in the T20 World Cup 2024 match against the United States. Khan's poor form has been a subject of scrutiny, with fans and experts alike expressing their disappointment.During the T20I series against England, Khan's low scores and fielding errors drew criticism. In the T20 World Cup opener, he came to the crease with Pakistan under pressure and was trapped LBW by Nosthush Kenjige on the first ball.Social media users were quick to blast Khan for his performance, with some referring to the "nepotism" debate surrounding him. Khan is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, and some have questioned whether his selection is based on merit."If Nepotism & forced entry had a face..Azam Khan.. BUT PCB has no shame..," tweeted one user.Another user commented, "Azam Khan is a player whom cricket history will never forget."Despite the criticism, Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended Khan's selection, stating that he plays on merit."Azam Khan plays on merit," Azam tweeted.The United States, led by Monank Patel, won the toss and elected to bowl first. The US had a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Canada in their opening match.Pakistan, on the other hand, entered the tournament after a disappointing T20 series loss to England. The "Men in Green" were not in their best form but were determined to start their campaign on a positive note.Patel expressed his team's desire to play their best cricket, while Azam confirmed that Imad Wasim had suffered an injury and would not be playing against the US.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has come under fire from fans after a disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England on Thursday. Khan was dismissed for a duck after facing just five deliveries and dropped two easy chances while fielding.Khan's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans, who have criticized his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Many believe that Khan's inclusion in the squad is a result of nepotism, as he is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan."Azam Khan is the best example of nepotism in our country," tweeted Mubasher Lucman. "Mediocrity rules here in every department. Shameless people who persisted with him must be charged and sentenced. This is a criminal act, not a simple mistake."Khan's struggles have been evident in recent matches. He has failed to make a significant contribution with the bat and has been criticized for his poor fielding."Azam Khan is an embarrassment to international cricket," tweeted Yang Goi.England's victory in the fourth T20I was a comprehensive display of their all-round strength. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was named player of the match after taking 2-27 from his four overs, while Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provided a blistering start to England's chase with an opening stand of 82.Harry Brook finished the game with a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the pick of the Pakistan attack with 3-38. England finished on 158-6 to win with more than three overs to spare.The victory gave England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match T20 series, with games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled."We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad," Buttler told Sky Sports.