Pakistan cricket should away from politics then we can see the success Hamza Butt

Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 ended in disappointment, triggering widespread debate about leadership, team balance and long-term planning. Speaking to BW Times, Executive Director of Calgary Cricket Academy and Pakistan first-class cricketer Hamza Butt said the team is out of the tournament because of its own mistakes, holding both captaincy and management fully responsible. He described the early exit as a matter of shame, especially considering the talent available in the squad.

According to Hamza Butt, the defeat cannot be blamed on a single player. He pointed out that in one of the crucial matches, the opening batsman played a fantastic innings and set what appeared to be a winning target. The start provided momentum and stability, putting Pakistan in a strong position. However, after Fakhar’s dismissal, the rest of the batting unit managed to score only around 20 runs, which he called unbelievable at the international level. Such a collapse not only shifted momentum but also exposed serious weaknesses in the middle order.

Throughout the tournament, Pakistan showed flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain consistency. Strong starts were repeatedly undone by middle-order failures. The inability to build partnerships after a set platform cost the team dearly. Modern T20 cricket demands aggressive yet calculated batting through all 20 overs, but Pakistan’s approach seemed fragmented. There was visible pressure, lack of clarity in finishing roles, and an absence of responsible acceleration during the death overs.

On the bowling side, performances were mixed. While pace bowlers showed moments of intensity and skill, execution in crucial phases was inconsistent. In several games, early breakthroughs were achieved, but the team struggled to control the final overs. Death bowling lacked precision, and fielding lapses added to the pressure. Hamza Butt emphasized that T20 cricket is unforgiving, and small mistakes can decide big tournaments.

He further stated that Pakistan has immense potential, but political interference is gradually weakening the team’s strength. According to him, the captain has no real power to make independent decisions, as player selections are largely controlled by management. He criticized the management structure, claiming that it is influenced by political backgrounds rather than cricketing experience. This environment, he suggested, affects confidence, strategy, and long-term planning.

Reflecting on recent tours, he noted that Pakistan’s performance against Australia had once shown a totally different and competitive side. However, inconsistency in selection and delayed decisions harmed momentum. He mentioned that after losing several matches, Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah were brought back into the squad, and both delivered strong performances in batting and bowling. Yet, he stressed that those decisions came too late to alter the overall outcome of the tournament.

Looking ahead, the future of Pakistan cricket depends on structural reforms and merit-based decisions. The team requires stability in leadership, clear roles for players, and freedom for the captain to execute strategies without external pressure. With its natural talent pool and passionate cricket culture, Pakistan has the capability to bounce back. However, turning potential into consistent results will require professional management, accountability, and a long-term vision focused purely on cricket rather than politics.