‘He rejected it’: Ex-PCB chief selector blames Imran Khan for Pakistan cricket’s downfall

Blame game: Haroon Rasheed points the finger at Imran Khan's domestic overhaul

Namaste cricket family 🙏 Let me share something that's got me reflecting—art and sport both need strong foundations to truly flourish.

Former PCB chief selector Haroon Rasheed has thrown cold water on Pakistan's current trajectory, blaming the collapse of their cricket standards on the sweeping domestic changes pushed through during Imran Khan's PM tenure.

Here's the juicy bit: Haroon reveals that a task force actually proposed a hybrid model—keeping departmental teams alive alongside streamlined provincial cricket. They even reduced teams to eight while preserving departmental participation. But Imran, in a short meeting, "rejected it outright." He wanted something far more radical: just 5-6 teams.

The result? Pakistan's firstclass structure was slashed from 10-16 teams down to a mere five, departmental cricket was scrapped, and provincial cricket became the backbone.

Haroon's blunt take: "He might have meant well but it didn't work out for Pakistan cricket." He admits they were ordered to submit a revised plan, and "you have to listen to the Prime Minister"—but the decision led to a clear "downslide" in standards and hurt the team's depth.

He then paints a striking contrast with India's system. While everyone gawks at the IPL, India still thrives on the Ranji Trophy, Duleep, Mushtaq Ali, and Vijay Hazare Trophies—plus independent state associations running robust club-level competitions. That depth is exactly what's fueling India's rise.

The fix Haroon suggests? Decentralise power from the PCB and restore independence to regional associations and departments, like the good old days.

With former players increasingly questioning Pakistan's domestic pathway, this conversation is only going to grow louder. What do you all think—was the 5-team model a disaster, or just inevitable reform? 💭

Source: Times of India