Cricket-crazy Pakistan is currently facing gloom and calls for major changes after their disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy in the group stage. The defending champions suffered a 60-run loss to New Zealand and a six-wicket defeat to archrivals India, leaving them on the brink of elimination. Despite hoping for a Bangladesh victory over New Zealand to keep their semifinal hopes alive, the result did not go in Pakistan’s favor. The upcoming dead-rubber match against Bangladesh has highlighted the need for a significant shake-up in the team.
Former captain Wasim Akram expressed his frustration, emphasizing the lack of improvement in the players over the years. The poor quality of domestic cricket and substandard pitches have been identified as factors hindering the development of quality cricketers in Pakistan. Additionally, the constant changes in the cricket board, coaching staff, and selection panels have been criticized for being politically motivated rather than merit-based.
The early elimination from the tournament has dampened the spirits of Pakistani cricket fans who were excited about hosting a major event after nearly three decades. The underwhelming performance of the team has led to concerns about the outdated style of play and the need for a complete overhaul of the system to produce more aggressive players.
The disappointment among fans is palpable, with many expressing their frustration and sadness over Pakistan’s lackluster performance. The injuries to key players and questionable squad selections have also contributed to the team’s downfall. Fans are blaming what they perceive as a “loser’s mindset” among the players, highlighting the need for a change in attitude and approach to the game. “Saya ragu mereka bahkan sadar betapa meruntuhkannya bagi penggemar melihat mereka kalah seperti ini.
Hidup di kedua negara itu berhenti saat Pakistan dan India bermain pertandingan kriket [Aamir Qureshi/AFP]”