Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif asks PCB to promote meritocracy ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently came forward and instructed PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to emphasize merit-based selection of players and a complete overhaul in the selection process for Pakistan.

The instruction came during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for upgrading Gaddafi Stadium at the PCB headquarters on Monday, August 5. The ceremony saw the likes of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, and many other parliamentarians, government officials, and PCB representatives.

The PM talked about the need to restore the prestige of Pakistan Cricket after the side’s subpar performances in the T20 World Cup 2024, where the Babar Azam-led side was eliminated from the group stages of the tournament. Addressing Mohsin Naqvi, the PM talked about what should be the outline ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“Our cricket stadiums must meet international standards, and the modernization of Gaddafi Stadium is a positive step. You should reform the cricket team and select individuals based on merit, which is your expertise. Even if the Prime Minister recommends someone, if it goes against merit, you should politely decline,” Shehbaz Sharif was quoted as saying by the Nation. 

It is worth noting that in order for these reforms to be implemented, former Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis was recently appointed. He will be responsible for overseeing all cricket-related decisions by the board. On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi will be managing the administrative affairs, which will include the conduct of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host.

As for the stadiums, several upgrades are being made to key stadiums in Pakistan. Some of the renovations are being made at the Gaddafi Stadium, the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.

The Gaddafi Stadium is undergoing many changes, including new hospitality boxes. The changes are being made with the hosting of the Champions Trophy in mind.