New Delhi: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has wondered the cause of Pakistan cricket team’s poor performance in recent times in all formats of the game, which has deepened after their maiden Test loss to Bangladesh.
They were beaten by 10 wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi, which has led to criticism from all quarters. The humiliating Test loss followed group stages exits from 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cups, where they were beaten by arch-rivals India.
With prior experience of playing in the Pakistan Super Leagur domestic T20 tournament, Pietersen said such a downfall has shocked him as Pakistan lost to Bangladesh for the first time in red-ball cricket in 14 matches.
“What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic. What’s happening there?,” wrote Pietersen on his X profile.
Pak cricket in turmoil
In the final day of the Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan were 23/1 and trailed Bangladesh by 94 runs in the second innings.
But they crumbled under the pressure of Bangladesh spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4/21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3/44) to get bowled out for 146 runs.
Bangladesh openers Zakir Hasan (15*) and Shadnam Islam (9*) remained unbeaten in their the 30-run fourth innings target as they completed a superb win in in just 6.3 overs.
While allegations and finger-pointing is happening thick and fast, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohisn Naqvi has announced beginning of a new domestic tournament named Champions Cup where five teams will take part.
The teams will be mentored by Waqar Younis, Misbah ul Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Saqlain Mushtaq where all players have been directed to participate.
The mentors have been given three-year contracts to oversee the teams, from which the PCB is expected to prepare a pool of players for the national team for all formats.
Pakistan plunged to 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi, which has led to criticism from all quarters. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
