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Former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricketing legend Imran Khan has unleashed a scathing critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Moshin Naqvi, following the team's humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This loss marks a historic low for Pakistan, as it represents the first time they have suffered such a crushing defeat on home soil in a Test match.
Khan, known for his outspoken nature, used his X (formerly Twitter) account to voice his displeasure, attributing the team's declining performance to the leadership of the PCB, specifically targeting Naqvi. He drew a stark contrast between the team's current form and their emphatic 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, prompting questions about the management decisions that have led to this precipitous downturn.
In his statement, Khan expressed deep concern about the state of Pakistan cricket, highlighting the immense passion and interest the nation has in the sport. He lamented the impact of what he perceived as unqualified and favored individuals brought into the PCB by powerful entities, ultimately resulting in the erosion of Pakistan's cricketing legacy. He pointed to the team's recent struggles in major international tournaments, including their failure to reach the top four in the World Cup or the top eight in the T20 format, as evidence of this decline.
Khan further emphasized the stark contrast between the team's 10-wicket victory over India in 2021 and their recent 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh. He questioned what had transpired in the intervening two-and-a-half years to lead to such a drastic change in fortunes, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the PCB. This latest loss against Bangladesh extends Pakistan's winless streak in Test matches on home soil to a concerning nine matches. Their last victory on home turf came against South Africa in February 2021. Since then, they have endured a series of disappointing results, including a 3-0 whitewash by England and a drawn series against New Zealand.
Khan's outspoken criticism of the PCB leadership adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging landscape of Pakistan cricket. With the team facing a string of poor results and questions swirling about their management, the PCB will undoubtedly face increased pressure to address the concerns raised by Khan and other stakeholders in the coming weeks and months. The future direction of Pakistan cricket hinges on the PCB's ability to effectively address these issues and restore the team's lost glory.
Source: ‘This team had defeated India by 10 wickets…': Imran Khan blasts PCB chief Moshin Naqvi