Ahmed Shehzad labels Champions Cup as 'tragedy' for Pakistan cricket; slams PCB for wasting money

Ahmed Shehzad has launched a fresh attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the recently concluded Champions One-Day Cup, which was designed to unearth fresh talent for the national team.

The Champions One-Day Cup wrapped up with Shadab Khan's Panthers clinching the trophy on September 29 has drawn criticism from Shehzad, who argues that it failed to deliver on its promises.

Ahmed Shehzad questions the effectiveness of PCB's Champions One-Day Cup

Ahmed Shehzad claimed that the PCB's grand aspirations for the Champions One-Day Cup have fallen flat, describing the initiative as a big blunder that has wasted only valuable money.

Despite the PCB's claims of broadening the talent pool, Ahmed Shehzad claimed that the tournament showcased the same familiar faces, failing to produce any standout players capable of taking Pakistan cricket to new heights.

In utter disbelief, Shehzad questioned the tournament's efficacy, asking if any hidden gems emerged that resembled the legendary talents of the past, like Don Bradman.

He highlighted the stupidity within the system, saying that the recent domestic one-day tournament merely recycled established players rather than discovering fresh talent.

Shehzad said on his YouTube channel: “Where is the talent that everyone was cheering for, saying that this tournament had brought out a lot of talent? We didn’t see anyone stand out. It’s just the same old 8-10 faces we always talk about, and they’re the only ones we’re seeing. If a Bradman has come along that we somehow missed, please let us know. It’s the same players going in circles, and those are your tools. You’re not going to get anything else.”

You’ve only wasted money: Ahmed Shehzad slams PCB

Meanwhile, Shehzad has also criticized the PCB for a culture of favoritism and said that the current structure is fraught with issues, dubbing it a "tragedy" for Pakistan cricket. He lamented that the PCB always failed to take accountability for its missteps, leaving a void in leadership that hinders progress.

The Pakistani cricketer signed off by saying, “You’ve only wasted money. Hosting this tournament [the Champions Cup] was a huge mistake, but no one is going to admit it. No one will raise their hand. The people you’ve recruited through favoritism in domestic cricket won’t say anything. Everyone will pass the blame onto someone else. This is the tragedy of your cricket, and this is how the structure of your cricket is operating.”

Notably, Usman Khan, who was part of Pakistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, is still awaiting his ODI debut. He emerged as the leading run scorer in the Champions One-Day Cup, amassing 272 runs across six innings. Usman was closely followed by Kamran Ghulam, who scored 250 runs, and Tayyab Tahir, who contributed 249 runs in the tournament.

Kamran is especially considered one of the biggest names in domestic cricket. On the bowling side, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain led the wicket-taking charts, claiming 17 wickets in the tournament. Pakistan will be next hosting England in a three-match Test series.