Former Pakistan Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan expressed disappointment at Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and said that cricket will be destroyed if favourites are put in decision-making positions, possibly hinting at favoritism within the PCB. Pakistan were hosting an ICC event after 29 years, but the Men in Green failed to make an impact and were knocked out of the tournament within five days after losing to New Zealand and India.

"Imran says cricket will be eventually destroyed when favourites are put in decision-making positions," Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, told reporters, as quoted by Geo News.

Pakistan's performances in ICC events have been dreadful in the last few years, with the team failing to reach the knockouts of the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy. The board has often been accused of favoritism and made some baffling calls that may have aided in the team's shambolic performances. One notable event was the recalling of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir for the T20 World Cup which backfired on them. Similarly, the way coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie were treated was questioned by many.

According to Aleema, Imran lashed out at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and said that whenever he takes a dignified position, he makes a mess of it.

"Imran Khan said that no one in Pakistan has as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi has. When Naqvi was appointed [Punjab] Chief Minister, he committed injustices. He is appointed interior minister, he again committed injustices. Whichever position he is appointed, he makes a mess of it," Aleema Khan said as quoted by The Express Tribune.

"Imran Khan said that a respectable man would resign after such a poor performance but this could not happen," she added.

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