PM Shehbaz considers action after Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to personally review Pakistan’s dismal performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, amid growing criticism from fans and former cricketers over the team’s early exit from the tournament.

Speaking on a private television channel on Thursday, the premier’s aide on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said the matter would be taken up at the cabinet level and even in parliament.

"The prime minister will personally take notice, and we will also ask him to raise these [cricket-related] issues in the cabinet as well as in parliament," Sanaullah stated, pointing towards growing concerns over the management of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts of an ICC event for the first time in nearly three decades, endured a humiliating campaign under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan.

The national side suffered back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and arch-rivals India, effectively ending their chances of progressing further. Although Pakistan are set to play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi today, the match has been rendered a mere formality as both teams have already been eliminated.

‘People take charge and do whatever they want’

Expanding on the governance issues within the PCB, Sanaullah remarked that the board operates as an independent body but has been plagued by power struggles and mismanagement for years.

"This is not just about one chairman’s appointment. Take a look at the last five to ten years and see what has been happening," he said.