Former Pakistan Players Want Big Changes After Losing to India

After Pakistan lost to India in a cricket match, many former players are saying the team needs to change. They think some older players should not play T20 games anymore. The team must win its next game to stay in the tournament.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Pakistan |

Tension Mounts Following Humiliating Defeat

The Pakistan cricket team faces significant pressure following a decisive loss to India in a recent T20 World Cup match. This defeat has triggered widespread calls from former players for the removal of key senior figures, including captain Babar Azam, spinner Shadab Khan, and pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. The sentiment among some prominent past cricketers is that the team's current structure is failing, and a radical shift in personnel is necessary to improve future performance. The team now faces a critical juncture, needing to win their upcoming match against Namibia to avoid elimination from the tournament.

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Background to the Current Situation

The loss to India, which saw Pakistan fall short by 61 runs, has brought to the forefront long-standing concerns about the performance of certain senior players. Babar Azam, a central figure in the team, scored only 5 runs in the match against India. This performance, coupled with the team's overall struggle to contain India's batting and a subsequent unraveling of their own batting order, has intensified scrutiny. Several former players have publicly voiced their disappointment and called for the careers of Azam, Khan, and Afridi in the T20 format to be reconsidered. The team's precarious position in the tournament—requiring a win against Namibia to advance—adds urgency to these calls for change.

Read More: Pakistan Cricket Greats Want Team Changes After Losing to India

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Evidence of Discontent

Statements from various former Pakistan cricketers indicate a strong consensus that senior players have underperformed.

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  • Calls for Ouster: Multiple former players have explicitly stated that it is "time's up" for Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, suggesting their T20 careers should conclude.

  • Specific Criticisms:

  • Mohammad Yousuf, a former captain, indicated that the loss to India should signal the end of the T20 careers for both Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

  • Shoaib Akhtar has openly mocked Babar Azam's perceived superstar status in Pakistan.

  • Ahmed Shehzad has been a vocal critic, suggesting that Babar Azam may have played his last T20 international for Pakistan.

  • Shahid Afridi has urged the team management to test the "bench strength" and give opportunities to new players in the remaining matches.

  • Historical Context: The defeat to India extended Pakistan's poor record against their rivals in T20 World Cup history, with India securing their eighth win out of nine encounters.

  • Player Performance Data: Babar Azam scored a mere 5 runs from 7 balls against India.

  • Reported Coaching Criticism: A report attributed to coach Gary Kirsten following a previous World Cup debacle reportedly highlighted shortcomings in Babar Azam's captaincy and issues with team cohesion.

Debate Over Senior Player Futures

The debate surrounding the future of senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi is multifaceted, with former cricketers presenting divergent views on their continued involvement.

Read More: Australia Leaves Out Tahlia McGrath for First India T20 Game

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Arguments for Sacking Seniors

A significant faction of former players believes that the current senior leadership and key players have failed to deliver consistent results, particularly in high-stakes matches against rivals like India. They argue that their performances do not justify their continued selection.

  • Underperformance: The primary argument centers on the recent lackluster performances of players like Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially in crucial games. Babar Azam's minimal score against India is a frequently cited example.

  • Stagnation: Some critics, such as former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, have accused senior players, including Babar Azam, of hindering the natural game of other players and a lack of focus on fitness.

  • Need for New Talent: There is a push to provide opportunities to emerging players, with figures like Shahid Afridi advocating for testing the bench strength to build for the future.

  • Past Captaincy Criticism: Reports suggest that coach Gary Kirsten's feedback following a prior World Cup pointed to issues with Babar Azam's captaincy and team dynamics.

Questions About Player Roles and Support

While many calls are for removal, some commentary touches upon the broader context of player support and team strategy, hinting at underlying issues beyond individual performance.

Read More: Shoaib Akhtar Says Pakistan Cricket Leaders Not Good Enough After India Loss

  • Player Support: Former captain Mohammad Yousuf, while calling for changes, has previously backed Babar Azam, suggesting a complex relationship with the player's current form.

  • Team Combination: There have been suggestions that if a senior player, like Babar Azam, does not fit into the team's combination, they could be dropped, as indicated by current captain Salman Ali Agha prior to the T20 World Cup.

  • External Factors: One report suggests that Babar Azam's potential resignation from captaincy was linked to a leaked report from coach Gary Kirsten that criticized his performance and team's functioning. This implies that player decisions might be influenced by reports and team environment.

  • Coaching Staff Changes: Following previous World Cup disappointments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly considered sacking foreign coaches, indicating a broader review of the support structure.

Expert Analysis and Opinions

Prominent former cricketers have expressed strong views on the situation, offering insights into the team's struggles and the required course of action.

Read More: India Beats Pakistan in T20 World Cup Match

  • Mohammad Yousuf: Stated that the debacle against India should end the T20 careers of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

  • Shoaib Akhtar: Mocked Babar Azam's "superstar status" in Pakistan.

  • Ahmed Shehzad: Expressed his belief that Babar Azam has likely played his final T20 international for Pakistan.

  • Shahid Afridi: Urged the team management to give chances to new players and test the bench strength in the upcoming matches.

  • Abdul Razzaq: Accused Babar Azam of "spoiling the game" of other players and criticized the team's lack of focus on fitness under his captaincy.

  • Misbah-ul-Haq: Allegedly criticized Babar Azam's captaincy, calling his bowling changes and field placings "amateurish."

Findings and Implications

The evidence strongly suggests a significant movement among former Pakistan cricketers calling for substantial changes to the senior playing group, particularly Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The team's performance against India in the T20 World Cup has served as a catalyst for these demands.

Read More: Pakistan Loses to India in T20 World Cup Match

  • Clear Call for Sacking: The consistent messaging from multiple former players indicates a widespread dissatisfaction with the current senior leadership and performance. The phrase "time's up" for key players has been frequently used.

  • Impact on Team Morale: Such public criticism from former players, especially when delivered on news channels and through media outlets, can negatively impact team morale and public perception.

  • Tournament Stakes: The team's current position in the T20 World Cup, requiring a win to avoid elimination, amplifies the urgency and pressure surrounding these calls for change.

  • PCB's Dilemma: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces the challenge of balancing the demands for change with the need for team stability, especially with significant matches ahead. Reports suggest the PCB has considered major overhauls in the past, including coaching staff changes.

  • Potential for Future Action: The sustained criticism and the direct calls for the end of certain players' T20 careers imply that significant squad decisions may be made following the tournament, irrespective of its outcome.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are former Pakistan players unhappy?
They are unhappy because the team lost to India and they think some senior players are not playing well enough.
Q: Who do they want to be changed?
They are talking about players like captain Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Q: What does the team need to do now?
Pakistan needs to win their next game against Namibia to keep playing in the tournament.
Q: What do some former players think about Babar Azam?
Some former players think it is time for Babar Azam to stop playing T20 games for Pakistan.