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Pakistan Cricket Gripped by Political Interference

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 6:04 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Lahore, Pakistan - February 10th, 2026 - A pall hangs over Pakistani cricket, extending far beyond the recent string of on-field defeats. The sport, a source of national pride and passion, is increasingly crippled by what critics are calling rampant political interference, spearheaded by the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. What began as concerns about a lack of cricketing expertise at the helm has evolved into a full-blown crisis of confidence, eroding the foundations of the game at all levels.

Naqvi's appointment, while not entirely unprecedented given Pakistan's history of political involvement in sports administration, has been particularly damaging. A seasoned politician with no substantial background in cricket, he assumed control of the PCB with a clear emphasis on optics and a perceived agenda that prioritizes public relations over substantive cricketing development. Sources within the PCB, speaking on condition of anonymity, describe a climate of fear and uncertainty, where decisions are often driven by political considerations rather than strategic cricketing needs.

The initial apprehension surrounding Naqvi's lack of cricketing acumen has materialized into tangible problems. The national team's performances have suffered, coinciding with a period of instability within the coaching setup. Several key support staff members have departed or expressed dissatisfaction, citing a lack of autonomy and a perceived interference in team selection and strategy. This constant churn has disrupted team cohesion and hampered the development of a consistent playing philosophy.

The most vocal criticism centers on the PCB's apparent obsession with crafting a positive public image, even as the team struggles and the domestic infrastructure deteriorates. Millions are being allocated to marketing campaigns and superficial initiatives, while crucial areas such as grassroots development, player welfare, and infrastructure upgrades are consistently underfunded. This 'PR facade,' as one former Test cricketer described it, is viewed as a cynical attempt to distract from the deeper, systemic issues plaguing Pakistani cricket.

Further exacerbating the situation is the timing of Naqvi's tenure. Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its cricketing journey. The team, once a formidable force in both Test and limited-overs formats, is facing fierce competition from emerging cricketing nations. A robust, long-term strategy focusing on talent identification, coaching development, and infrastructure investment is desperately needed. Instead, the PCB appears to be mired in short-term fixes and politically motivated decisions.

The problems aren't confined to the national team. The domestic first-class system, the breeding ground for future stars, is facing financial constraints and a lack of investment. Young players are struggling to access quality coaching and facilities, hindering their development. The existing pathways to the national team are unclear and often subject to political influence, stifling meritocracy and discouraging genuine talent. Many promising young players are reportedly considering opportunities in other cricketing nations, fearing a lack of fair opportunity in Pakistan.

Experts suggest the current situation echoes a recurring pattern in Pakistani sports administration: politicians appointed to key positions, prioritizing personal and political agendas over the long-term health of the sport. This cycle of interference and mismanagement has repeatedly undermined Pakistan's sporting potential, leaving the nation consistently underperforming on the international stage.

The lack of transparency within the PCB is also a growing concern. Financial irregularities and questionable contracts have been alleged, further fueling public distrust. There are growing calls for an independent audit of the PCB's finances and a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption.

The future of Pakistan cricket remains uncertain. Unless decisive action is taken to address the systemic issues and remove political interference, the sport risks falling into further decline. Many are now asking whether a truly independent and qualified cricket administrator is the only way to salvage Pakistan's cricketing pride and secure a brighter future for the game.