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Former Pakistan chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed believes Pakistan cricket started going downhill after the domestic structure was changed during Imran Khan’s time as Prime Minister.
Haroon was part of the task force that was formed to review Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure when Imran was Prime Minister. He recalled that the former Pakistan captain wanted the first-class system to be reduced to just five or six teams.
Why is Imran Khan currently in Jail?
Imran was elected Prime Minister in 2018 after his party won the general elections. He remained in office until he was voted out in 2022 and is currently in Adiala Jail while facing several cases linked to his time in power.
The former Pakistan captain, who led the country to the 1992 World Cup title, wanted a major change to the domestic system. The number of first-class teams was reduced from around 10-16 to just five, following the model used in Australian cricket.
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What was Imran Khan's decision?
The decision has been criticised by several former cricketers and analysts, who feel that it affected Pakistan’s domestic cricket system.
Haroon said the task force had initially suggested a different approach but was ultimately asked to follow Imran’s instructions.
Haroon's involvement in PCB
Haroon remained involved with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after his playing career and held several important positions before leaving in 2020. He served as chief selector, selector, head coach, head of high performance and development, and team manager.
Haroon said the task force was later instructed by then PCB chairman Ehsan Mani to implement the changes wanted by Imran.
What is the main reason behind India's cricket rise?
According to Haroon, India’s strong domestic system has played a major role in the country’s rise in international cricket.