The Pakistan cricket team is struggling in T20 internationals, recently suffering three series losses in 2024. Ahmad Shahzad criticized the team and management, stating, “Pakistan cricket is dying.” Despite a valiant effort from Reeza Hendricks, South Africa triumphed in the second T20I match, emphasizing Pakistan’s dwindling performance compared to competing nations.
The recent performance of the Pakistan cricket team, particularly in T20 internationals, has plunged the sport into concern, following a disappointing series loss to South Africa. This defeat marks the third series loss for Pakistan in 2024, overshadowing victories against less challenging teams such as Ireland and Zimbabwe. Criticism has been voiced by former player Ahmad Shahzad, who did not hold back in expressing his discontent with the team’s management and performance, stating that “Pakistan cricket is dying” as the responsible authorities remain indifferent to the declining standards.
The match against South Africa drew attention not only for its competitive nature but also for the context; it was noted that South Africa fielded a significantly weakened team, missing seven key players, yet still came away with victory, further emphasizing Pakistan’s struggles. The series loss comes shortly after a similar defeat against a young Australian side. Reeza Hendricks was instrumental in South Africa’s successful T20I campaign, achieving his first T20I century which led to the Proteas’ victory in the second T20I match, securing their first bilateral T20 series win since August 2022. Ahmad Shahzad’s perspective highlights the growing despair in the cricketing community regarding the future of Pakistan cricket.
The topic of Pakistan cricket’s current state stems from a series of disappointing performances, particularly in the T20 format. Over the past year, the team has faced defeats against prominent cricketing nations such as New Zealand, England, Australia, and South Africa, raising questions about the effectiveness of their training and team management. Amidst these challenges, the critique from former players has underscored the urgency for introspection within the cricketing board and the need for strategic improvements to revitalize the sport in the country.
In summary, the continuous losses faced by the Pakistan cricket team during the T20I series highlight significant issues within the team’s preparation and management. Ahmad Shahzad’s criticism, particularly the declaration that “Pakistan cricket is dying,” underscores the urgency for reform and greater accountability to revive the sport’s prestige. The performance against a diminished South African team accentuates these troubles and calls for immediate action to address the underlying challenges in Pakistan cricket.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com