'PCB is a circus': Former cricketer blasts board ahead of Champions Cup, England tour

Former national team cricketer Yasir Arafat has compared the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to a 'circus.'

The former cricketer criticized the PCB 's scheduling of the Domestic Champions One-Day Cup, saying the event is being held from September 12 to 19, followed by a series against England starting October 7.

He mentioned that the PCB has "grey areas", fitness issues, technical problems, and pitches have been highlighted.

“Today, I heard that Jason Gillespie and the high-performance coach are returning to Australia, yet you're organizing a one-day tournament," the ex-cricketer noted.

"I don’t understand these decisions! The Pakistan Cricket Board is a circus and there are many jokers here.”

Arafat also expressed disappointment over Pakistani players not participating in first-class cricket and questioned why Shan Masood hasn’t played first-class matches for 1.5 years.

He said, “Explain to me, you have a Test series against England in October, but you are organizing a one-day tournament. Is there any logic? It looks like a joke.”

Meanwhile, following a historic failure against Bangladesh, the national team has fallen to eighth place in the World Test Championship standings.

In a historic Test match, Bangladesh secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan, successfully chasing a target of 185 runs. Key contributions from Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mominul Haque guided Bangladesh to this win, celebrated by veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.

This victory marks Bangladesh’s third-ever overseas Test series win and their only fourth Test win abroad in seven years, highlighting a significant achievement in their cricket history.

Pakistan’s recent struggles continue as they suffer their fifth consecutive Test defeat, having lost to Australia, England, and now Bangladesh.

The loss undermines their hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final, with Pakistan languishing at the bottom of the standings.

Captain Shan Masood acknowledged fitness issues as a major concern, while the defeat also reflected a challenging start for new head coach Jason Gillespie.

Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz were standout performers for Bangladesh, with Das named player of the match and Miraz player of the series.