Pakistan Cricket Struggles: Calls for Change in Management and Format

Things aren’t going well for Pakistan cricket right now. After a disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, where they couldn’t move past the group stage, the team faced an even tougher time. Pakistan lost all three matches in a one-day series against New Zealand and was beaten 1-4 in a five-match T20 series against the same team.

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali has openly criticized the team’s selectors and head coach, Aaqib Javed, saying they should quit because of the poor results. Basit highlighted that the team made a mistake by choosing only one main spinner, Abrar Ahmad, for such a big tournament. Many experts felt the selections for the Champions Trophy were wrong, and Basit believes the management is making bad choices.

He warned that if the current selectors and coach don’t change, Pakistan might lose its upcoming series against Bangladesh. Basit even said, “Even a tomato seller knows more than the current management,” meaning that mistakes have been obvious to everyone.

He also suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, should look into things and consider organizing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a T10 format. Basit thinks this could help star players like Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam improve their hitting skills.

Earlier, Pakistan was knocked out of the Champions Trophy after losing to New Zealand and India, with their last game against Bangladesh being canceled due to rain. Another former player, Sikander Bakht, has called for the PCB to revoke players’ central contracts until they win the Asia Cup or a World Cup.

What’s more troubling for Pakistan is that New Zealand didn’t even bring their strongest team, as many players were busy with the Indian Premier League (IPL).