The word “precedence” carries significant weight in Pakistan cricket because they’ve experienced it all before. From controversial World Cup exits, match-fixing scandals, team disputes, to an enforced absence after a terror attack, Pakistan cricket has seen its fair share of challenges. Talent and passion were never the issue. Pakistan always had the drive to prove critics wrong, even when things seemed to fall apart. But now, it feels different.
A Humiliating Loss to Bangladesh
Losing a Test match at home is hard enough to digest. But losing to Bangladesh feels even more humiliating, worse than losing to India. The sting goes back to the painful history of the subcontinent before and after Partition. The first shock came in the 1999 ODI World Cup when a young Bangladesh team, led by Aminul Islam, stunned what many considered Pakistan’s most talented one-day side.
Recent Defeats and Harsh Reactions
Now, 25 years later, Pakistan has lost a Test match too, almost by an innings. Bangladesh outplayed and outsmarted them on a Rawalpindi pitch that worked to their advantage. With this defeat, Pakistan has now lost nine home Tests, their second-longest streak since 1969-75, and back then, they only lost one out of 11 matches.
As expected, reactions have been harsh. Ramiz Raza labeled the loss as “shameful.” Shoaib Akhtar criticized Pakistan for being “defensive,” and Shahid Afridi questioned the team’s overall approach.
Financial Troubles for Pakistan Cricket
This comes after a miserable year for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket. They failed to make the ODI World Cup semi-finals and were humiliated by the USA in the T20 World Cup, not even reaching the Super 8s. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, Pakistan was at the top—being the No.1 Test team in 2016 and winning the 2017 Champions Trophy after thrashing India in the final. The decline has been dramatic.
The Blame Game and Team Issues
Babar Azam’s extended run of poor form suggests there could be a mental block, something Pakistan needs to address. Then there’s the issue of captaincy. Reports suggest a rift between Babar and Shaheen Afridi, with both struggling to balance leadership and personal goals. It’s a shame because past legends like Imran Khan and Javed Miandad or Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis never let their differences affect the team’s performance.
Losing Focus on Performance
What’s most surprising is Pakistan’s attempt to blame the Rawalpindi pitch. Masood said they expected more help for the seamers, even though this isn’t the season for a grassy pitch on one of the flattest surfaces in the subcontinent. Blaming external factors instead of owning up to their mistakes isn’t typical of Pakistan cricket. And that’s what stands out the most in this disappointing chapter.
Also Read: Gender Parity: ICC Announces T20 World Cup Prize Money For Women Equal To That Of Men
Advertisement