The recent 10-wicket defeat of Pakistan by Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has ignited a storm of criticism and concern within the Pakistan cricket community. This loss is particularly significant as it represents Pakistan's first-ever 10-wicket defeat on their home turf, and it has left them trailing 1-0 in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
The match saw Shan Masood's team make a bold, and ultimately ill-fated, decision to declare their first innings at a formidable 448 for 6. However, this aggressive declaration did not yield the desired results. Bangladesh capitalized on the situation, securing a significant lead of 117 runs. In their second innings, they dismissed Pakistan for a mere 146 runs, with Shakib Al Hasan delivering a stellar performance by taking three crucial wickets. Bangladesh then easily chased down the modest target of 30 runs in just 6.2 overs, marking their first Test win against Pakistan in their 14-year history as a Test-playing nation.
The defeat has provoked a strong reaction from former Pakistan cricketers and cricket experts. Ahmed Shehzad, reflecting on the loss, declared it as the "lowest point" in Pakistan cricket, a sentiment that has been echoed by other critics. Earlier, following a loss to India in the T20 World Cup in June, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had controversially suggested that Pakistan cricket needed "surgery." Mohammad Hafeez, responding to the recent defeat, took aim at this comment, criticizing the team's failure to secure victory.
Ramiz Raja, a former captain and prominent cricket commentator, expressed his discontent with the current state of Pakistan's pace attack, which had long been a point of pride. Raja's critique highlighted a perceived erosion of confidence and effectiveness in the fast bowling department. He noted that the decline began with the team’s performance in the Asia Cup and was further exposed by subsequent poor showings. "The fast bowling reputation has finished," Raja stated on his YouTube channel, emphasizing that the current attack does not live up to its former glory.
Shahid Afridi also contributed to the critique, questioning the pitch preparation and the decision to field four fast bowlers while excluding a specialist spinner. Afridi argued that these decisions revealed a significant lack of understanding of home conditions, which contributed to the team’s downfall. Azhar Ali, another former player, called for a reassessment of Pakistan’s strategies, suggesting that there was room for improvement. He rated the pitch preparation highly but questioned the overall strategic approach.
Fawad Alam, adding his voice to the chorus of criticism, questioned whether Pakistan cricket was making progress or sliding backward. He expressed his frustration with the team's performance and offered congratulations to Bangladesh for their well-deserved victory. Alam's comments underscore the depth of disappointment within the cricketing community over the team's recent performances and the urgent need for reflection and reform within Pakistan cricket.
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