Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, stated on Thursday that the premier would address the situation in cricket following Pakistan’s exit from the Champions Trophy without securing a win.

Pakistan’s last chance for redemption ended in disappointment when their match against Bangladesh was canceled due to rain in Rawalpindi. The team finished at the bottom of their group with just one point from three matches.

The Pakistan cricket team faced widespread criticism after their six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. Prior to this, they suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

When asked on Geo News’ ‘Geo Pakistan’ whether the government intended to introduce accountability in cricket infrastructure, Sanaullah explained that the caretaker government had fully separated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from the federal government’s control.

“The PCB is an independent body, and they operate on their own terms. However, based on their actions, I will request the prime minister to discuss this issue in the cabinet and parliament,” Sanaullah said.

He emphasized that the issue was not about a specific incident or the appointment of one chairman, but a long-standing issue over the past five to ten years.

Sanaullah pointed out the poor state of cricket at the club, university, and district levels.

“The financial activities at higher levels should be exposed to the public and parliament. Mentors are being paid Rs5 million and have openly admitted they are unaware of their duties, yet they take Rs5 million monthly for not working,” he stated.

“If you examine their perks and privileges, it’s shocking. You would think you’re in a progressive European country, not Pakistan,” he added.

“These are the issues the prime minister will take notice of, and we will discuss them in the cabinet and parliament,” Sanaullah reiterated.

“This is a long-standing issue where people take positions in the PCB of their own accord and do as they wish, which has led to the current state of cricket and the board,” he explained.

“There needs to be improvement, and we need a stable system like the boards in other countries.”

He also criticized other sports associations in the country, noting that many retired individuals occupy these positions to enjoy their benefits.

“These matters need to be addressed, and we need fundamental reforms,” he said.

The previous day, interim head coach and chief selector Aqib Javed stated that Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament was due to the players’ lack of experience.

When asked about criticism regarding team selection and rumors about discord between the coach and captain, he defended the selection, stating, “This was the best possible team,” and explained that Saud Shakeel was selected because “he was better suited to playing against spin on these pitches and had the ability to play long innings.”