Ian Smith blames India for Pakistan's downfall: 'Players can't play IPL & other Indian-owned leagues'

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper and veteran commentator Ian Smith opened up about the Pakistan cricket team's recent struggles across formats. Smith said that the lack of earning opportunities for players and instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are key factors behind the team's slump.

The Pakistan cricket team secured away ODI series wins against Australia and South Africa in late 2024. However, their performances dipped in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Green failed to register a single victory and were eliminated from the Champions Trophy 2025 despite being hosts.

Pakistan's Struggles Continue After ICC Champions Trophy Campaign

The Men in Green's struggles continued after their disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan retained his ODI captaincy, but Salman Ali Agha took charge of the T20I side. Babar Azam and Rizwan were dropped from the T20 squad while being retained in the ODI setup.

Pakistan traveled to New Zealand for a white-ball tour featuring a five-match T20I series and three ODIs. The selectors picked several young players, but their fortunes did not improve as they lost the first two T20I matches. Pakistan’s performances have drawn heavy criticism from former cricketers and experts.

Pakistan Players Can't Play in the IPL - Ian Smith

Writing in a column, as quoted by Geo Super, Ian Smith pointed out that Pakistan players lack opportunities to participate in lucrative leagues like the IPL. Smith also criticized the instability within Pakistan cricket.

"Pakistan players can't play in the IPL and earn those riches, or in fact, many of the leagues around the world which are principally Indian owned. It's a volatile environment, Pakistan cricket. They've had more personnel changes amongst the board, the administrators, the selectors, coaches, and players than you can poke a stick at," Ian Smith wrote.

"I'll challenge you and your mates over a few beers at any stage, name the last 10 Pakistan Captains, and I'll wager you'll only have to go back seven years or so to line them all up. It is a veritable revolving door of world cricket," he added.

Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. IPL franchises have been investing in leagues like ILT20, The Hundred, and SA20, and their participation in major global tournaments has been minimal.

Perform Well When Given the Chance on the World Stage - Ian Smith

Ian Smith stated that Pakistani players must prove themselves in international cricket. However, he questioned their ability to do so, citing their poor performances on the New Zealand tour.

"Pakistan's best chance of world recognition is to perform well when given the chance on the world stage and on tours such as this one in New Zealand. And in all honesty, early signs are that they won't - or they just simply can't," Smith added.

Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two T20Is against New Zealand in Christchurch and Dunedin. However, they are in a strong position while chasing a 205-run target in the third T20I in Auckland on March 21.

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