ICC Champions Trophy 2025: ‘Cricket will be destroyed!’ – Imran Khan’s explosive verdict from jail after Pakistan’s exit
Xtra Time Web Desk: Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is reportedly upset with the national cricket team’s dismal performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy, his sister Aleema Khan revealed. Hosts Pakistan became the first team eliminated from the eight-nation tournament following heavy defeats to New Zealand in Karachi and India in Dubai.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema said, “The PTI founder expressed deep sorrow over Pakistan’s loss to India.” She added that Khan, who led Pakistan to its historic 1992 World Cup triumph, also criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s credentials.
"Imran believes cricket will be ruined if decision-making roles are handed to favorites instead of qualified individuals," she stated, confirming that he watched the high-voltage clash against India.
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Meanwhile, former PCB chairman Najam Sethi indirectly blamed Imran Khan for Pakistan cricket’s decline. In a post on X, Sethi, who led the PCB from December 2022 to June 2023, remarked, “The cricket fraternity says Pakistan has hit rock bottom. How did a team that was No.1 in T20s (2018), Tests (2016), and ODIs (1990, 1996), and won the 1992 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, fall to a level comparable with Zimbabwe?”
According to Sethi, the downfall began in 2019 under Imran’s leadership when domestic cricket was overhauled. The long-standing system of 16-18 departmental and regional teams was scrapped in favor of a six-team first-class structure modeled on Australia’s system.
"Political interference continued, PCB policies became inconsistent—foreign coaches were hired and dismissed arbitrarily, selectors were changed on a whim, and discarded players were brought in as mentors. Eventually, internal conflicts, captaincy disputes, and player factions took precedence over effective management. The disastrous results are now evident," Sethi wrote.
The nation is justifiably angry. The cricket fraternity says Pakistan has hit rock bottom. How come a cricket team that was once #1 in T20s (2018) and Tests (2016) and ODIs (1990 and 1996), which won the WC in 1992 and CT in 2017, is today equated with Zimbabwe?
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) February 25, 2025
The downfall…
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He insisted that Pakistan can revive its cricketing fortunes by acknowledging these issues and ensuring appointments based on integrity, experience, and professionalism.
Sethi resigned from the PCB soon after Imran took office, paving the way for Ehsan Mani’s appointment. In 2021, Imran also appointed Ramiz Raja as chairman, who was later replaced by Sethi in December 2022 after Khan’s government collapsed.
