Imran Khan’s Cricketing Reform
It is important to revisit the reforms introduced during Khan's tenure
Guest Author
Cricket in Pakistan has long reflected the country’s governance, challenging, resistant to change, and often hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies. In 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a decisive step to modernize domestic cricket by eliminating departmental teams in favor of a regional, merit-based system. His initiative was ambitious and aimed at aligning Pakistan’s cricketing structure with successful international models.
However, the unforeseen disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the transition, exposing financial vulnerabilities that had not been fully accounted for. In 2023, the Shahbaz Sharif-led government reversed these reforms, restoring the departmental system that had historically weakened Pakistani cricket. This decision represents not just a policy shift but a regression that prioritizes short-term stability over long-term progress.
The Legacy of Departmental Cricket
For decades, Pakistan’s domestic cricket was dominated by departmental teams sponsored by government institutions and corporations. While this model provided financial security for players, it was often characterized by favoritism and a lack of genuine competition. The emphasis was more on securing salaried positions rather than fostering a high-performance environment.
Although supporters argue that departmental cricket ensured stable livelihoods for players, it also contributed to stagnation. Guaranteed salaries regardless of performance led to a decline in competitiveness, discouraging ambition and limiting opportunities for deserving talent. As a result, Pakistan’s domestic structure failed to consistently produce world-class cricketers.
Imran Khan’s Vision for Reform
As a former World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan understood the importance of a robust domestic framework. His reforms were based on the successful models employed by Australia and England, where strong regional teams cultivate top-tier talent.
The key objectives of his plan included:
Eliminating the departmental system to introduce six provincial teams that would compete at a higher standard.
Ensuring selection based purely on merit rather than employment affiliations.
Developing regional identities to foster stronger fan engagement and commercial opportunities.
Encouraging private sector investment to create a financially independent domestic structure.
Had this system been properly implemented and supported, Pakistan’s cricketing future could have been significantly strengthened. However, the global disruption caused by COVID-19 prevented the transition from reaching full stability.
The Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic struck in early 2020, just months after the domestic restructuring began. Its consequences were immediate and severe:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suffered financial losses due to postponed and canceled matches.
The newly formed regional teams struggled to secure adequate funding.
Many domestic players faced financial uncertainty, having lost their departmental jobs without an established alternative system.
Under normal circumstances, these challenges could have been managed through gradual reforms. However, the combination of economic stress and a lack of contingency planning meant that the system faltered before it had the opportunity to succeed.
The Reinstatement of Departmental Cricket: A Regressive Step
The reversion to departmental teams in 2023 was framed as a solution to financial difficulties and player welfare concerns. However, it comes at a significant cost to the integrity of Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Key concerns include:
Diminished Meritocracy: The return of departmental cricket reintroduces a selection process influenced by institutional connections rather than raw talent.
Weakened Domestic Competitiveness: With an excess of teams, the overall standard of play is diluted, reducing the effectiveness of domestic cricket as a feeder system for the national team.
Lack of Fan Engagement: Unlike regional teams, departmental squads lack a local identity, limiting crowd interest and sponsorship potential.
Financial Inefficiencies: Departments will continue to allocate resources to cricket without accountability, increasing dependency rather than fostering sustainability.
Pakistan’s domestic cricket now faces the same challenges that plagued it before the reforms—an overburdened system with little incentive for excellence.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
While Imran Khan’s vision was fundamentally sound, its implementation required a more strategic approach. The following measures could have strengthened the transition:
Phasing out departmental teams gradually over a five-year period, allowing for a smoother adjustment.
Establishing financial support mechanisms to provide stability for displaced domestic cricketers.
Investing in club and grassroots cricket to build a solid foundation before restructuring the professional tiers.
Securing long-term sponsorship deals and corporate partnerships to sustain regional teams financially.
Rather than abandoning the initiative, a well-managed transition could have addressed the concerns raised by players and administrators while maintaining the integrity of the new system.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s attempt to reform Pakistan’s cricketing structure was a necessary step towards modernizing the game. His plan sought to remove systemic inefficiencies and establish a framework that prioritizes merit, competitiveness, and financial sustainability. However, the unforeseen impact of COVID-19, coupled with inadequate transitional planning, led to setbacks that were used as justification for a complete reversal.
The reinstatement of departmental cricket may offer short-term relief, but it undermines the progress that was beginning to take shape. Without a structured approach to talent development and financial independence, Pakistan’s domestic cricket risks falling further behind the global standard. The real failure was not in Imran Khan’s vision but in the inability to adapt and persevere through the challenges that arose.
Pakistan had an opportunity to build a world-class domestic system, but instead, it has chosen to retreat into the familiar comfort of an outdated model. The consequences of this decision will be felt in the years to come, both in domestic performance and on the international stage.