Following Pakistan’s early exit from the ongoing 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad voiced his strong opinions. Starting with key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rau. The ex opener batsman urged for a complete overhaul of the side.
Pakistan are out in this tournament after their Friday’s Group A match against co hosts USA and Ireland in Florida was washed out.
Shehzad told Geo News Channel: “…For last five years Babar Azam Shaheen Shah Afridi Fakhar Zaman Mohammed Rizwan Haris Rauf have played in almost every single match of Pakistan. More chances are given to this lot then it should be.”
He further pointed out gaps in team dynamics such as leadership and individual performances overshadowing collective efforts.
“The kind of groupings that are happening in the team… There is a lack of leadership. They keep saying they’re learning from their mistakes. Aap kya seekh rahe hain? Against Canada when you needed to up your run rate. Rizwan scored the slowest fifty, Babar scored run-a-ball 33. There were no demons on that pitch. Personal milestone ne humari cricket ko tabaah kar diya. Aap kehte hai leadership, nahi hai aapke paas leadership. Aapke paas bas itna hai ki social media generated ‘King’ hai,” he lashed out.
“Four-five saal ho gaye aur kuch bhi jeet nahi liya abhi tak tum logon ne. You guys play politics tum logon ki fitness level hi nahi hoti required wali tum log already apne peak cricket khel chuke ho aur ab tumhare cricket down trend main ha. You have not let anyone else come into the team. Till now you have maintained friendships only,” he further added.
Shehzad also criticized Babar Azam’s captaincy and Wahab Riaz being picked as a selector by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
“Chairman PCB, who was appointed two months ago, has made two bad decisions in his tenure. First he put back Babar azam as captain which was the worst decision. Because he had enough chances to prove himself as a captain. He is tried and tested one. Then he chose Wahab Riaz as selector who have been very unprofessional in his handling these previous two months”, he said.
He urged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to fire some players that are causing trouble in the squad according to him. “Now people will come and scare the PCB chief that if he removes 7-8 cricketers, then the team won’t survive. But these are the guys, who are putting friendships over country. And if you remove only two or three from this lot then it would be injustice for them. Remove all of them,” he said.
Shehzad laid emphasis on Pakistan cricket’s future prospects with reference to its current challenges that must be addressed through significant changes.
