Pakistan’s cricket woes have come under scrutiny following Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s comments on the team’s decline. Ashwin expressed surprise at Pakistan’s struggles, prompting a sarcastic response from former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad.
Shehzad mocked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of the national team and infrastructure projects. He questioned Ashwin’s surprise, sarcastically suggesting that everything was fine in Pakistan cricket.
“Can’t you see that stadiums are being built over here? Continuous digging is being done. Don’t be surprised at all,” Shehzad said, targeting the PCB’s infrastructure projects.
He also criticized the PCB’s efforts to organize tournaments like the Champions One-Day Cup, suggesting that it would not solve the team’s problems.
“Are you not seeing that Pakistan is organizing a cup? Just wait and watch the number of players who come out of this tournament. How we get a battery of fast bowlers and produce players. Are you not seeing this? Why are you surprised, Ravi?” Shehzad said.
Shehzad did not hold back in his critique, downplaying the team’s failure to qualify for the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup and acknowledging issues within the squad.
“So what if we couldn’t qualify for the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup? So what if there is groupism in our team? So what if the current players in the team are not performing? It’s not a big issue, Ravi, so please don’t worry,” he said.
Ashwin’s comments echoed the sentiments of many who are surprised by Pakistan’s recent decline. He recalled how difficult it was to beat Pakistan in the past with players like Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Yasir Shah.
“All these guys, to where they are right now, I cannot believe it,” Ashwin said.
Shehzad’s comments and Ashwin’s observations paint a troubled picture of Pakistan cricket, highlighting the stark contrast between the team’s former glory and its current challenges.
