Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has put forth a bold claim, stating that he could overhaul the country’s domestic cricket structure and revive its talent pipeline within three years—provided the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) entrusts him with the responsibility. His remarks come in the wake of Pakistan’s dismal showing at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the host nation suffered consecutive defeats in the group stage, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
The team’s poor performances sparked widespread criticism from former players and pundits, with many questioning the state of domestic cricket and player development. Shoaib Akhtar, known for his unfiltered opinions, expressed deep disappointment in Pakistan’s campaign, particularly their lacklustre display against India. However, he also clarified that his criticism stems from concern rather than any personal agenda.
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“We don’t have any personal agenda. If I were doing this for money, I wouldn’t even talk about it. Honestly, I don’t even want to discuss Pakistan cricket anymore. I was asked to come, and I did. That’s the truth,” Shoiab Akhtar said during a live segment with PTV Sports.
Despite his frustrations, Shoaib Akhtar is confident in his ability to turn things around if given the chance. “Give me the domestic structure for three years, and I’ll fix it. I’ll sacrifice my time with my kids to dedicate myself to Pakistan’s youth,” he asserted, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers.
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The conversation around Pakistan’s struggling domestic system isn’t new. Former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has also criticized the board’s handling of domestic cricket, particularly after the structural changes made under Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister. Sethi pointed to the adoption of an Australian-style hybrid model in 2019, spearheaded by then-PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, as a key factor in the system’s decline.
While Pakistan’s cricketing future looks uncertain, Akhtar believes a professional, collective effort can set things right. As they face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match, the team will be eager to salvage some pride before bowing out of the tournament.
