Iqbal Qasim Attributes PCB Instability to Decline in Pakistan Cricket

Former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim stated on Sunday that the primary cause of the downturn in Pakistan cricket is the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) lack of sustained leadership. He emphasized that substantial improvement is unlikely without ensuring consistent administration.

During a discussion on a local social media platform, Qasim highlighted the frequent changes in PCB leadership, with chairmen often being replaced within months, leading to disruptions in progress.

He elaborated that incoming chairmen typically seek counsel from former cricketers to assemble their teams, but these efforts are cut short by premature replacements.

“Our system often sees PCB chairmen replaced every three to six months, which impedes advancement. While all previous chairmen may have possessed administrative skills,

former cricketers are vital for cricket-related matters. The cycle of chairman replacements halts ongoing work, a problem that requires attention,” he noted.

Qasim further attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to this lack of continuity, observing the disappearance of club cricket and the weakening of regional cricket.

“Instability has long plagued Pakistan cricket. The PCB governs cricket nationwide, yet the system has deteriorated over the last few years. Club cricket is essentially gone, and regional cricket has diminished in quality,” he added.

He also identified the PCB’s constitution as the fundamental cause of instability and decline in Pakistan cricket.

“In my view, the PCB constitution is the core issue. Here, the head of the government appoints the PCB chairman, unlike global practices where domestic board members, who are well-versed in local cricket matters, elect the chairman.

Our problem is the failure to strengthen grassroots structures, be it regional setups, district-level organizations, or associations. This is truly unfortunate,” he concluded.