Pakistan Cricket Coach Resigns Amidst Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism
Former fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has resigned from his position as a regional coach at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing rampant political interference, favouritism, and nepotism in cricket affairs at the grassroots level.
In his resignation letter, Shabbir, who served as the head coach in the Dera Ghazi Khan region, expressed his frustration with the deplorable conditions prevalent in Pakistani cricket. He stated that merit was disregarded in player selection, with political connections and favouritism taking precedence.
“How can Pakistan cricket improve when there is no merit in selection of players at regional level and there is so much interference and nepotism and favouritism by cricket officials?” Shabbir said.
Shabbir had taken on the role of head coach in Dera Ghazi Khan with the aim of promoting and developing the game at the district and regional levels. However, he found the situation untenable and chose to distance himself from the current state of affairs.
“Unfortunately what I have experienced is very frustrating. A player who works hard throughout the year and is a good talent is overlooked in the final selection to pick a player who use political and other connections to get in,” he said.
Shabbir’s resignation comes amidst Pakistan’s recent 0-2 loss to Bangladesh, a result that has highlighted the decline of Pakistani cricket. Shabbir believes that the current system is hindering the development of talented players and contributing to the team’s poor performance.
“Even if coaches who are sincere want to do something they are helpless in the existing system,” Shabbir said.
The PCB has yet to comment on Shabbir’s resignation, but his allegations have raised serious concerns about the state of cricket in Pakistan. If the PCB fails to address these issues, it could have a detrimental impact on the future of the sport in the country.
