In the wake of Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former national team batter Ahmed Shehzad has offered a candid assessment of the challenges plaguing Pakistan cricket. Shehzad, known for his outspoken nature, has pinpointed issues ranging from leadership decisions to domestic cricket dynamics as pivotal factors in the team’s recent downturn.
Leadership and Captaincy Concerns
A significant portion of Shehzad’s critique centers on the appointment of Babar Azam as the team’s captain. While acknowledging Azam’s exceptional talent and contributions as a batsman, Shehzad questions the rationale behind his elevation to captaincy based solely on his individual performances. He suggests that the burden of leadership may have inadvertently affected Azam’s form and the team’s cohesion. Shehzad emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation process when selecting a captain, one that considers leadership qualities, strategic acumen, and the ability to inspire teammates, rather than relying solely on personal statistics.
Domestic Cricket and Selection Policies
Shehzad also sheds light on the state of domestic cricket in Pakistan, expressing concerns over a prevailing ‘friendship culture’ that influences team selections. He argues that personal relationships and favoritism have overshadowed merit-based selections, leading to a decline in the quality of talent progressing to the national level. This practice, according to Shehzad, undermines the competitive spirit essential for nurturing world-class cricketers and compromises the integrity of the selection process.
Drawing Parallels with Indian Cricket
In his analysis, Shehzad draws comparisons with India’s cricketing framework to highlight areas where Pakistan could seek improvement. He points out that despite the retirements of stalwarts like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh, Indian cricket has continued its upward trajectory. This resilience, Shehzad notes, stems from a robust domestic structure, strategic succession planning, and a culture that prioritizes performance over personal affiliations. He advocates for Pakistan to adopt a similar approach, focusing on long-term development and the seamless integration of emerging talents into the national setup.
Call for Structural Reforms
Beyond immediate concerns, Shehzad calls for comprehensive structural reforms within Pakistan cricket. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in selection processes, the establishment of a merit-based system, and the cultivation of a professional environment that fosters healthy competition. Shehzad believes that addressing these foundational issues is crucial for the revival of Pakistan cricket and for restoring faith among players and fans alike.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on his own career, Shehzad has previously spoken about the challenges he faced, including perceptions and biases that may have influenced his trajectory. While these personal experiences provide context to his perspectives, his current focus remains on advocating for systemic changes that can benefit the broader cricketing community in Pakistan.