Pakistan’s cricketing reputation has taken another massive hit, and this time, it’s not just about incomplete stadiums or poor administration - it’s about player safety.
During the opening match of the tri-series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra suffered a gruesome injury, leaving fans horrified. Positioned at deep square leg, Ravindra attempted a catch off Khushdil Shah’s slog-sweep but completely lost sight of the ball in the poorly placed floodlights. The result? A brutal blow to his face, leaving him bleeding on the field and immediately requiring medical attention.
As the video of the incident went viral, social media erupted, blaming PCB’s mismanagement for the dangerous conditions. The floodlight fiasco has now added to Pakistan’s growing list of cricketing embarrassments. Just recently, the ICC slammed PCB for oversized sight screens at Karachi Stadium, raising concerns about visibility issues for players. Now, the calls are growing louder - should the ICC reconsider Pakistan as the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy?
With the PCB already under fire for stadium delays and infrastructure failures, this latest incident has pushed fans to the edge. Many are now urging the ICC to shift the tournament to Dubai, where cricketing standards and safety protocols are far more reliable.
The big question remains - can Pakistan afford another international embarrassment? With doubts mounting over its ability to host a global event, the PCB is running out of time to prove its worth. Otherwise, the Champions Trophy might just slip away before the first ball is bowled.
