PAK Cricket’s Crisis: Ahmed Shehzad Slams Indiscipline

PAK’s Cricket Struggles: Ahmed Shehzad Calls for Urgent Reforms

Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked serious concerns about the state of the national team. Despite hosting the tournament, PAK was knocked out before reaching the semi-finals, leading to widespread criticism. Veteran batter Ahmed Shehzad has voiced his frustration, pointing out deep-rooted issues affecting the team’s performance.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Shehzad addressed the key reasons behind PAK’s downfall, emphasizing the lack of discipline, absence of merit-based selections, and persistent political interference. His remarks have reignited debates on whether the team’s struggles stem from recent failures or have been brewing for years.

What Went Wrong for PAK in the Champions Trophy 2025

The tournament started on a rough note for PAK, with a 60-run defeat to NZ. This was followed by a crucial clash against arch-rivals IND, where they suffered a six-wicket loss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Their fate was sealed when NZ defeated BAN by five wickets at Rawalpindi, officially eliminating PAK from the semi-finals.

For a country with a rich cricketing legacy, this early exit raised serious concerns about the team’s direction. Fans and experts were quick to criticize the lack of strategy and questionable squad selections. However, Shehzad’s remarks suggest the problems run deeper than just on-field performances.

Ahmed Shehzad’s Strong Words on PAK Cricket’s Decline

Shehzad, who has played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is for PAK, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He pointed out how long-standing structural issues have led to this downfall.

“Political interference has always been there; there’s no doubt. But the condition of the team is not because of the last two years this has been happening for a while now. When you don’t bring in reforms, when you don’t honour merit, and when you don’t control indiscipline in the team, sooner or later, these results will come.”

His comments highlight a recurring issue in PAK cricket selection based on personal connections rather than performance. He stressed that unless there are serious reforms, PAK will continue to struggle in international tournaments.

Babar Azam’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Another major talking point has been Babar Azam’s captaincy. Shehzad believes that PAK made a mistake by handing him the leadership role solely based on his individual performances. While Babar remains one of the finest batters in modern cricket, Shehzad argues that captaincy requires a different skill set.

“Sad to see Babar Azam in this condition,” Shehzad remarked, indicating that the team’s failure has also impacted Babar’s form and confidence.

His criticism doesn’t just stop at leadership; he also expressed concerns about PAK’s domestic cricket structure. Shehzad claimed that the ‘friendship culture’ within the selection committee has damaged the pipeline of talented players. He urged the PCB to prioritize merit-based selections to bring back the competitive edge in PAK cricket.

The Road to Recovery: Can PAK Cricket Bounce Back

With CT 2025 now behind them, PAK must focus on rebuilding before their next major international assignment. Shehzad’s words serve as a wake-up call for the PCB and team management. If the board fails to implement necessary changes, the struggles could extend beyond this tournament.

Discipline, accountability, and a strong domestic structure are crucial for any successful cricketing nation. If PAK can address these issues, they have the talent to rise again on the global stage. However, if the existing system remains unchanged, Shehzad’s warning might turn into a long-term reality for PAK cricket.