PCB blames leadership instability for teams’ continuous decline

LAHORE: Concerns are mounting within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the consistent decline in performances of the national cricket teams, across men’s, women’s, and developmental levels. In a recent meeting of the PCB board, officials pointed fingers at a revolving door of leadership at the top as the cause behind this.

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According to a news report by DAWN News, the issue was front and center during a nearly three-hour-long meeting of the PCB’s Board of Governors (BoG), where officials from multiple departments, including International Cricket, High Performance Centre (HPC), Legal Affairs, and Women’s Cricket, presented detailed briefings.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present during the session, albeit briefly, which reportedly featured sharp questions and candid assessments from board members. Disappointment was expressed over the subpar performances of the senior men’s team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the women’s side.

The International Cricket department, responding to criticism, attributed much of the national setup’s struggles to persistent instability at the top. With four chairmen in less than three years – Ramiz Raja, Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf, and now Mohsin Naqvi – frequent overhauls of coaches, selectors, and captains have disrupted team chemistry and long-term planning.

Officials also cited the closure of the National Cricket Academy in recent years as a major setback to talent development. The board has now greenlit a new structure that includes regular series for Pakistan Shaheens against top-tier opponents, often scheduled alongside the senior team’s tours.

The International department acknowledged that, beginning with the next ICC cycle in 2027, Pakistan will return to full home-and-away bilateral series, featuring a minimum of three Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. While this will increase financial burdens, officials believe it is crucial for improving competitiveness.

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The High Performance Centre urged the PCB board to support long-term appointments for captains, coaches, and selectors to bring stability and allow systems to mature. The HPC also confirmed that domestic cricket academies across the country will soon be fully functional again, with visible improvements in player development expected within the next 12 months.

While the final say on key appointments remains with the PCB chairman, the HPC pledged to provide strategic input to help steer Pakistan cricket back on course.