Najam Sethi Critiques Imran Khan Over Pakistan’s Cricketing Crisis

Najam Sethi criticized ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan for Pakistan cricket’s downfall, particularly after the team’s embarrassing exit from the Champions Trophy. He highlighted issues stemming from changes to the domestic structure and political interference since 2019. Despite these concerns, Sethi remains hopeful about reinstating integrity and professionalism to revive the team.

In a recent social media outburst, Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fiercely criticized ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan for the national cricket team’s disgraceful exit from the Champions Trophy. After losing their first two matches in Group A, Pakistan, once a symbol of cricketing excellence, now faces humiliating comparisons to Zimbabwe. Sethi expressed disbelief at how a previous champion team now finds itself at such a low point.

Sethi traced the origins of this decline back to 2019, when a new PCB management, led by Ehsan Mani during Imran Khan’s tenure, replaced Pakistan’s traditional domestic cricket structure with an unsuitable Australian hybrid model. He pointed out that ongoing political interference and inconsistent PCB policies exacerbated the situation, citing issues such as frequent changes in coaching staff and team management, leading to a lack of stability and direction. He noted, “The horrible result is before us.”

Despite the current state of affairs, Sethi remains optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. He asserted, “We can certainly restore our cricket fortunes if we recognize the nature of the problems and marshal the integrity, experience, knowledge and professionalism required to do the job.” This belief is reflective of his long-standing involvement in cricket management and understanding of the sport’s complexities in Pakistan.

Sethi’s prior leadership roles in the PCB and the structural changes initiated during his tenure have given him a unique perspective on the evolution of cricket in Pakistan. Following his departure in 2019, the PCB saw further managerial shifts that impacted the cricketing landscape. He has returned to the helm of the PCB, advocating for significant reform in hopes of reviving Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.

In summary, Najam Sethi’s critique of Imran Khan highlights the significant decline of Pakistan’s cricket performance, attributing it to managerial missteps and political interference. Despite the team’s current challenges, Sethi expresses optimism about the potential for recovery, emphasizing the need to address existing problems through integrity and professionalism. His insights reflect concern for Pakistan cricket while underscoring the path toward revitalization.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com