In the world of sports, few things are as captivating and frustrating as the rollercoaster ride of Pakistan cricket. The recent exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and a 1-2 ODI series loss in Bangladesh have once again sparked a debate about the future of the sport in the country. This time, the spotlight is on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its handling of the national team, with former opener Ahmed Shehzad taking center stage with his scathing criticism. What makes Shehzad's remarks particularly interesting is the way he highlights a deeper structural issue within the PCB, one that goes beyond just player selection and leadership questions. In my opinion, the real problem lies in the PCB's approach to star-making and its failure to ensure accountability among its players. The PCB has spent years promoting a select group of players as the faces of both the national team and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). These players have been heavily backed through endorsements, leadership roles, and financial support. However, as Shehzad points out, the results have been disappointing. The PCB's approach to star-making has created a cycle of hype and disappointment, where certain players are repeatedly elevated as central figures without consistent results to justify that backing. This raises a deeper question: what is the true cost of this approach? In my view, the PCB's focus on star-making has led to a lack of renewal and accountability within the national team. The players who have been promoted to the top have not delivered the results expected of them, and the PCB has failed to hold them accountable. This has created a culture of entitlement among the players, where they feel they are above the rules and expectations. What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the way it reflects a larger trend in Pakistani society. The country has a history of promoting a select few as heroes and icons, only to find itself struggling when results begin to decline. This pattern is not unique to cricket, but rather a reflection of a broader cultural issue. From my perspective, the PCB's approach to star-making is a symptom of a deeper problem within Pakistani society. The country has a tendency to promote a select few as heroes and icons, only to find itself struggling when results begin to decline. This pattern is not unique to cricket, but rather a reflection of a broader cultural issue. The PCB needs to take a step back and think about the broader implications of its approach to star-making. It needs to focus on renewal and accountability, rather than just promoting a select few as heroes and icons. Only then can it hope to break the cycle of hype and disappointment that has become all too familiar in Pakistani cricket. In conclusion, the PCB's approach to star-making is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a deeper understanding of the broader cultural context in which it operates. By focusing on renewal and accountability, the PCB can hope to break the cycle of hype and disappointment and build a more sustainable and successful future for Pakistani cricket.
