The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a wave of criticism after a series of disappointing performances. The latest setback was an early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Super Eight stage, followed by a 1-2 ODI series loss in Bangladesh. This has sparked a heated debate, with former opener Ahmed Shehzad questioning the PCB's strategy and the players' accountability.
Shehzad's criticism is not just about the recent losses but a deeper structural issue within the PCB. He argues that the board has been promoting a select group of players as the faces of both the national team and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for years, only to find itself struggling when results began to decline. This approach, he claims, has led to a lack of accountability and a cycle of hype followed by disappointment.
"The calibre of your players is not at that level, which was built up as a baran by the PCB for the PSL 5 and 7 years ago," Shehzad said. "These 6-8 boys they are also the face of the PSL. They are also the face of our Pakistan team. Will they change Pakistan's destiny?" He questioned the board's authority, suggesting it has lost control over the very players it empowered.
Shehzad's comments reflect a long-standing concern around Pakistan cricket's approach, where certain players are repeatedly elevated as central figures without consistent results to justify that backing. He argues that the issue is not just performance but the lack of responsibility shown by the players. "Such is the audacity that even today, they are ready to admit that we are responsible. Not a single one of those players. Even today, they play the blame game. Even today, their ego is such that it isn't breaking. So weak is the PCB now," he added.
The PCB's recent actions have raised questions about its decision-making process and its ability to bring in new faces. Shehzad believes that the board's focus on star-making has taken precedence over renewal and accountability, leaving the team stuck in a cycle it has struggled to break. "The work they were supposed to do - bringing in new faces - they didn’t. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern," he said.
In my opinion, the PCB's current situation is a result of a lack of strategic planning and a failure to adapt to changing circumstances. The board needs to re-evaluate its approach and focus on building a strong foundation for the future of Pakistan cricket. The players, too, need to take responsibility for their actions and performances. Only then can Pakistan cricket break free from this cycle of hype and disappointment.
