Pakistan cricket has been in a downward spiral, with lackluster performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup, as well as their first-ever Test series defeat to Bangladesh on home soil. Former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar blames the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the escalating tension between senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, which he believes has contributed to the team’s decline.
Nazar believes the PCB should have provided Babar with ample support and time to assert his leadership. He criticized the board for constantly changing the captaincy, which has created instability and uncertainty within the team. He also pointed out that Pakistan has an abundance of talented players, but they are becoming lost within the system.
Nazar compared Babar Azam to Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, stating that Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the history of the game, while Babar still has a long way to go to make a name for himself. He praised Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli, expressing that he could watch them bat for hours.
Nazar’s comments highlight the need for the PCB to address the mounting issues within Pakistan cricket. The board must provide its captain with the necessary support and stability to lead the team effectively. It must also address the systemic issues that are hindering the development of talented players. Only then can Pakistan cricket regain its former glory.
