Pakistan’s Cricket Crisis: The Fallout from T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan’s cricket team is facing a deepening crisis as they have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024. This unexpected exit has sparked significant discontent among former Pakistani cricket stars like Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, and Ahmed Shehzad.

These veterans have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the team’s attitude and performance. They emphasize that while winning or even reaching the finals of a tournament can never be guaranteed, the commitment to give their best should be non-negotiable. The disappointing performance of the team has made it evident that they have not utilized their potential effectively.

Pakistan boasts a wealth of cricketing talent with players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Imad Wasim, who have shone in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, the transition of these players to the national team has raised concerns.

Critics argue that these players were fast-tracked into the international scene without the necessary struggle or development, leading to their inconsistent performance on the global stage. The selection process and team strategy have come under severe scrutiny.

There are several other talented players like Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Ali Agha, who possess great cricketing skills and maturity. These players have been overlooked in favor of others who have not proven their merit.

Azam Khan, for instance, has been criticized heavily for his poor performance. Former cricketers believe that the batting line-up has been a significant reason for Pakistan’s failure, compounded by underperforming all-rounders like Shadab Khan. 

The internal dynamics of the team have also been problematic. There are accusations that captain Babar Azam has prioritized personal relationships over merit in team selections and batting orders. Fakhar Zaman, a consistent opener, was pushed down the order to accommodate Mohammad Rizwan, a move perceived as favoritism rather than strategy. Such decisions have led to a lack of coherence and effectiveness in the team’s performance.

Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram and former England player Michael Vaughan have expressed their discontent with the current state of the team. Vaughan went as far as to claim that Babar Azam does not belong in the top 15 T20 players globally.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been accused of running the team based on popularity and favoritism rather than performance and merit. This has only worsened the situation, leading to a decline in the team’s standing and morale.

Historically, Pakistan’s cricket team was renowned for its sheer talent and competitive spirit. Today, the scenario has changed drastically, with players like Azam Khan, who are perceived as not fit enough, being included in the team.

The team’s batting strategy has also been questioned, with openers struggling to match the aggressive starts of their international counterparts.

Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads. The need for a complete overhaul is evident, from team selection to strategy and management. It’s imperative for the PCB to prioritize merit and performance to restore the team’s former glory. Only then can Pakistan hope to rebuild a formidable team that can compete at the highest levels and bring pride to the nation once again.