The Pakistan cricket team was eliminated from the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, and Babar Azam and Co.’s performance was also disappointing in the ODI World Cup hosted by India. Pakistan has also faced a lot of criticism due to its poor performance in ICC tournaments.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given a big warning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. PM Shahbaz Sharif has stressed on selecting players on the basis of merit.

Cricket team must be improved- PM Shahbaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has stressed on improving the Pakistan cricket team after the team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Addressing Mohsin Naqvi, the PM also talked about what should be done before the Champions Trophy 2025.

PM Shahbaz Sharif, while speaking during the stone-laying ceremony for the upgrading of the Gaddafi Stadium at the PCB headquarters on August 5, said,

Our cricket stadiums should be up to international standards and the modernisation of the Gaddafi Stadium is a positive step. You should improve the cricket team and select players on merit, which is your expertise. Even if the Prime Minister recommends someone, if it is against merit, you should reject it.

It is worth noting that recently former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis was appointed to implement reforms in Pakistan cricket. He will oversee all cricket-related decisions of the board. On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi will oversee administrative affairs, including the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host.