February 26, 2025: Pakistan’s early exit from the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread criticism not only towards the national cricket team but also directed at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The national team’s disappointing performance has left fans and political leaders upset, with many questioning the PCB’s leadership and the team’s overall approach to major ICC tournaments.
Pakistan, hosting an ICC tournament for the first time in 29 years, was knocked out within just five days of the tournament, which came as a massive disappointment to supporters. The team suffered two consecutive losses in the group stage, one against New Zealand and another against arch-rivals India, leaving them with little hope of progressing further.
National Assembly Opposition Leader, Omar Ayub, of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, voiced his discontent over the PCB’s handling of the team’s performance. Speaking to the media, Ayub blamed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for the team’s poor showing and demanded that he be removed from his post due to the repeated failures of the team in major ICC events.
“This is not the first time Pakistan’s team has faced such disappointment in a major tournament,” Ayub remarked. “After the team’s disappointing exit in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup, it is clear that the leadership at the PCB is not providing the right direction for the team.”
Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the current Champions Trophy were already slim after they lost to both India and New Zealand. Needing a favour from Bangladesh to stay alive in the competition, the team’s fate was sealed when New Zealand secured a victory over Bangladesh, confirming their spot in the semi-finals alongside India.
With both Pakistan and Bangladesh already out of the tournament, their last group-stage match, set to take place in Rawalpindi, will serve as a dead rubber.
The call for PCB Chairman Naqvi’s removal comes amid growing frustration over Pakistan’s performance in major international tournaments. Despite being the defending champions in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan has repeatedly failed to live up to expectations in recent years, including their disappointing performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished fifth, winning only four out of nine matches.
As the board faces pressure, the question remains whether leadership changes will lead to a turnaround in Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes.