Cricket has always held a very special place in Pakistan. For decades, it has not only been a sport but also a part of the national identity, a source of pride, and a unifying force for people of different regions, languages, and backgrounds. Young boys grow up dreaming of becoming the next Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, or Waqar Younis. Families gather in front of televisions to cheer for the national team. Stadiums are filled with energy and hope whenever Pakistan plays, whether at home or abroad. Yet, behind the glamour and passion lies a darker reality that has been eating away at the roots of the sport. Cricket in Pakistan has been politicised to a level where merit and fairness often take a back seat, and the game is used as a tool for personal gain, influence, and power. This has created damaging consequences for the sport itself and, more importantly, for the young players who are supposed to be the future of cricket in the country.

Politics has entered cricket in Pakistan in many forms. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is supposed to be an independent body ensuring that the game is managed fairly and professionally, has often been run as an extension of political authority. With every change of government, the head of the PCB also changes, not because of their competence or knowledge of cricket, but because of political loyalty. Leaders of the board are often appointed based on their closeness to the ruling party or individuals in power. This creates instability at the very top of cricket management, with constant changes in policies, strategies, and structures. It is almost impossible for the sport to grow in a consistent manner when those running it are more concerned with pleasing politicians than with building strong systems for the players.

This politicisation trickles down into the selection of players. Instead of being chosen on merit, many young cricketers face the bitter truth that personal connections, influence, and favouritism sometimes play a role in who gets selected for regional and national teams. When merit is sidelined, talent suffers. A young boy who has worked day and night, played outstanding cricket in domestic matches, and shown promise may still be ignored if he does not have the right connections or support from influential figures. Meanwhile, someone less deserving may be given a chance because of their backing. This not only destroys the morale of hardworking youngsters but also lowers the overall quality of the game. Pakistan has often been criticised for being inconsistent on the international stage, and much of this can be traced back to the lack of a fair, merit-based system at home.

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