‘This could get me in hot water’: Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah delivers explosive insight into Pakistan’s cricket turmoil

Former Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and captain Babar Azam (AFP photo) The stunning overhaul of the Test squad and coaching staff by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has become a major talking point in the cricketing world, with Multan Sultans CEO Gohar Shah joining the growing chorus of criticism surrounding the changes.The PCB has released seven players from the Test squad ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston starting on September 9. Those released included Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also dropped as head coach and bowling coach respectively, with head white-ball coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke brought in for the remainder of the England tour.The changes came after Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test before England won the second by 194 runs at Lord’s.

Gohar Shah provides a blunt assessment

Shah, 31, who has played two first-class matches himself, posted a lengthy assessment of Pakistan cricket on X, admitting his comments could have consequences but said he owed the game an honest assessment.“This might get me in hot water, but I owe Pakistan cricket an honest assessment. I was a fan before I became interested.”“Things I have observed from my playing days + active involvement in PSL leadership, dressing room and PCB,” he wrote.Shah then raised concerns about professionalism among the players, including diet, workload and attitude.“Late nights and junk food are common. Now I understand living on hotel food and being stuck for 6 weeks is hard, but the word ‘professional’ has to mean something,” he wrote.He also questioned the intensity shown by the players during the Test matches.“No one wants to do hard yardage. It’s a mentality thing. Like a couple of times in a test match after a long time the bowlers didn’t run for the ball. What are you saving your legs for? The test match was over in 2.5 days…”

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“Work First, Pakistan Later”

Shah also turned his attention to the wider Pakistan cricket ecosystem, including journalists, former players and the PCB.In the media, he wrote: “All journalists push their own agendas and build narratives on who they like / who accommodates them more, ie these things may or may not be leaks, gifts, favors.”He was equally critical of former players commentating on the game without taking on coaching roles.“Except for the few who have actually worked and earned their coaching badges and qualifications, most are more comfortable going on TV and just repeating the issues. No one is presenting solutions or going out there and getting the experience/qualifications to contribute.”Shah had another strong point for the PCB when he wrote, “This board is too bureaucratic. Everyone is afraid to speak their mind because they are afraid of the backlash and their jobs.”He added: “There are people who really wanted to help, but when they see that their efforts are not working, they don’t stop trying and are satisfied with just their paycheck.”

‘Pakistan cricket will always be in my heart’

Shah also questioned the structure around Pakistan Super League franchises, arguing that owners have limited incentives to invest heavily in the development of their teams.“10 year lease, you grow the brand only to return it to PCB. So why should you grow if you see no benefit? Only bills.”He also questioned the retention rules and category changes, saying that owners “invest in players and the pursuit of talent only to lose them to agenda-driven retention rules and category changes”.Shah ended his post with a message of hope despite his criticism.“Pakistan cricket will always be in my heart. Pray we get back to being the best. Not just good or competitive but the best.”