Imran Khan reacts to Pakistan's exit from Champions Trophy

Legendary cricketer and former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has reacted to the national team's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to media reports, Imran Khan spent most of his time discussing cricket during a meeting with Aleema khan at Adiala Jail. The 1992 World Cup-winning captain had watched the Pakistan vs India match on PTV and was reportedly furious over the team's poor performance.

While speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Imran Khan criticized what he termed the selection of individuals based on favouritism, stating that it was ruining Pakistan cricket. "When you appoint people based on connections rather than merit, the result is destruction," he said.

He also lashed out at Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's current Interior Minister and PCB chairman. "First, he was appointed Punjab's Chief Minister, where he caused havoc. Then, he became the Interior Minister and did the same. Any honourable person would have resigned after such failures, but Mohsin Naqvi will not," an irate Imran commented. 

The 72-year-old former cricketer questioned Naqvi's credentials in sports administration. "What experience does he have in cricket? If someone treats the nation's passion for cricket as a joke, they are insulting the people. In just two years, they have turned Pakistan cricket into a laughing stock," he opined. 

"If you give control of cricket to favourites instead of professionals, this is what happens," he said, referring to Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan, the host nation and defending champions, were knocked out of the tournament after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.

The team is set to play its final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. From Group A, India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals.