Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s bluff is no longer taken seriously in international cricket. It’s self-inflicted blunders from the Bangladesh episode to its own decision, not to take the field for the India group game, have isolated them in world cricket today. This article will explore the mad world of Pakistan cricket, which has left even the most cynical observers shaking their heads in absolute disbelief at what new gaffes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will dish out before the 2026 T20 World Cup begins.

Introduction

After provoking Bangladesh Cricket, which ultimately led to their disqualification from the marquee ICC Tournament, Pakistan Cricket has kept itself in the news for all the wrong reasons. After unsuccessfully threatening to boycott the ICC T20 World Cup to put pressure on the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now come out with an official stance on their government’s advice of boycotting the India group fixture match on the 15^th February.

With days to go before the ICC T20 World Cup, Pakistan has yet again put themselves into familiar troubled waters of their own doing. Instead of focusing on the team’s preparation for the upcoming tournament, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has engulfed itself in a world of confusion, controversy and poor decision-making.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s wrong moves have sabotaged their own team’s preparation and confidence.

What is happening with Pakistan Cricket is a perfect case of how mismanaged and shortsighted a weak cricket board can be, which potentially can threaten to destroy a gifted cricketing nation.

While Pakistan amazes in unearthing and producing raw world-class talents, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to be mismanaged, unprofessional, corrupt and heavily politically influenced.

Even with talented players in the team, a mismanaged cricket board does not give stability, resulting in unfavourable results.

Directionless Cricket Board

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been muddled with controversies for years. From power grabs, frequent changes in policy, to faulty team selections, Pakistan cricket has managed to be in the media for all the wrong reasons.

While other teams prepare for World Cup tournaments for months in advance to iron out game plans and role clarity, Pakistan has been looking for short-term results, overloaded with political jibes. This has plagued Pakistan over the years, affecting the quality of the squad and the deterioration of their game

Juggling with Captaincy

Pakistan has been juggling with captaincy for some time now. Decisions are made more based on public perceptions and pressure. This has seen Pakistan juggling with more than 4-5 captains in the last 2 years.

Unlike other countries, the tenure of a player as a newly appointed captain in Pakistan is only as good as the last series. A series loss prompts the administration to look for a new captaincy face instead of giving the much-needed support and backing to the current leader.

Player Selections

Young players also feel the heat after one bad series or, in some cases, even after one bad game.

Players are picked, dropped, recalled or forced to retire at the drop of a hat. Players are not selected based on domestic performances but more on name and influence. This has damaged the credibility of the selection process, which is influenced by the people in power.

PCB chairman is a political appointee, and changes according to the change in government.

With the military at the helm in Pakistan, the current PCB chief is the interior minister and also the brother-in-law of Army Chief Aseem Muneer.

Not changing with the modern requirements of the game

Pakistan cricket has not modernised its game over time. While the game of cricket has evolved across all formats, Pakistan’s approach, compared to other teams, has looked outdated and at times predictable.

Failure to adapt, evolve and experiment in today’s modern cricket can be solely blamed on its administration and the involvement of politics in cricket

Role of Ex-Cricketers and Media

Criticising Pakistan cricket and players is the favourite pastime of Pakistan’s ex-cricketers, influencers and even current cricket administrators in social and mainstream media. Infights in the dressing room or controversy within the team are exaggerated and become headline news, which puts the team in a bad light.

Long-term investments in the game are absent, which affects the future of the game in the country.

Pakistan Cricket’s short-term view of the sport at the expense of its long-term development is in full view to the world with their current blunder over their stance of not taking the field for the India group game on the 15th February.

What does Pakistan stand to lose if they do not take the field on 15th February ?

ICC Will award the match to India and a run rate boost.
Pakistan would get 0 points in the points table. It will be considered a defeat and can be imposed additional penalties under its of Code of Conduct.
ICC may fine the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The revenue loss to the broadcaster will also be billed to Pakistan by the ICC.
ICC may issue a formal reprimand.
ICC may issue additional sanctions on the PCB.
ICC may reduce the ICC funding provided to Pakistan.
There can long term implications like not being allowed to host future ICC events.
Broadcasters and international sponsors may shy away from any Pakistan series. Broadcasters refused to be part of the recent Australia series at home.

Editor’s View

Pakistan can ill afford to miss the India game. PCB will have to pay a very heavy price for its political stance. From cricketing isolation to heading towards darkness if Pakistan does not do a U-turn soon.

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