"Cricket is Finished in Pakistan": Experts Lambast Champions Trophy Host After India Defeat | Cricket News
A Nation’s Prized Possession: Is Cricket Losing Its Luster in Pakistan?
The recent string of defeats for the Pakistani national cricket team, including a loss to arch-rivals India, has sparked a wave of criticism from former players and experts. The question on everyone’s lips is: is cricket truly doomed in Pakistan?
The Verdict: Favoritism, Lack of Progression, and a Dwindling Passion
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, questioning the selection process and alleging favoritism in the system. He stated, "People say that the team doesn’t have a system where players are selected through favoritism, but they do. We’ve seen it. We know everything. We’ll tell the truth to the whole world unless we feel that you’re going towards the right direction. There was only one sport left in Pakistan. That was cricket. Today, that has also finished."
The Voice of Experience: Mohammad Rizwan’s Side’s Chances in the Tournament
Mohammad Rizwan’s side had earlier lost their opening match against New Zealand, failing to chase a target of 321 runs, further fueling the criticism. But is it too late for Pakistan to turn things around? Former left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prioritize top performers from domestic cricket over the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for national team selection. He stressed, "I request PCB that PSL should not be a criterion for national team selection. The top performers from domestic cricket should be your priority and not the PSL."
Countering the Critics: Shahid Afridi’s Take on Team Mindset and Strategies
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi shared his thoughts on the team’s mindset, shedding light on the lack of an attacking approach. "I knew this is going to happen. If you play cricket from 1980-90 mindset in 2025 then you will definitely lose the game. According to me after 2017 whatever ICC events have come, there is nothing for Pakistan but we always talk about our preparations. We don’t know which team to play in our home conditions. We didn’t attack during the time of our bowling. If you have to win against big teams you have to play with an attacking approach."
Pakistan’s Chances of Progressing in the Tournament
With losses to India and New Zealand, Pakistan’s chances of progressing in the tournament have taken a significant hit. They will now return home to prepare for their crucial match against Bangladesh on Thursday. India, on the other hand, will face New Zealand in their final Group stage game on Sunday, March 2. Pakistan will be closely monitoring the match between Bangladesh and New Zealand, hoping for a Bangladesh victory to keep Group A contestable for a few more days. However, a New Zealand win would seal their spot in the semi-finals, leaving Pakistan’s fate in the balance.
Conclusion
Thequestion remains: is cricket doomed in Pakistan? As the nation’s pride and joy, cricket has been the central component of Pakistani culture. With recent losses and favoritism allegations, the future of Pakistani cricket hangs in the balance. Will the national team be able to turn things around, or is it too late to revive the sport in Pakistan? Only time will tell.
[Read more about the best Pakistan Super League teams, Pakistan cricket news, and international cricket analysis](https://www. timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cricket).
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The recent defeat of Pakistan in the Champions Trophy has raised questions about the future of cricket in Pakistan. Experts and former players have lambasted the selection process, alleging favoritism and lack of progress. Can Pakistan turn things around, or is cricket losing its luster in Pakistan?
