Pakistan crashed out of the Champions Trophy following defeats to India and New Zealand, exposing systemic issues in their cricketing framework marked by frequent changes in leadership and selectors. Expectations were high after successes in series, but the team’s performance revealed persistent challenges and a decline in talent. Key players have struggled and the team lacks the characteristic playstyle that once defined them.
Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy, following defeats to India and New Zealand, highlights a deeper systemic issue with their cricketing framework. Over the last three years, the team has cycled through 26 selectors, 8 coaches, and 4 captains, indicating instability and a lack of continuity contributing to their performance. Former captain Wasim Akram shared a bleak assessment, stating, “There is nothing strong about Pakistan when it comes to cricket,” reflecting a consensus on the team’s struggles.
Although expectations were high leading up to the tournament—after a year of competitive series wins in South Africa and Australia—Pakistan’s performance shows they have failed to learn from past mistakes. Their cricketing trajectory has declined significantly since winning the last Champions Trophy, resulting in poor standings in both ODIs and Tests, finishing consistently at the bottom in recent World Test Championship cycles and World Cups.
Despite heavy investments in infrastructure for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s current team lacks the star power it once possessed. Historically strong in producing world-class pace bowlers and batsmen, they now only have Babar Azam, whose skills fall short of the elite batters globally. The national team has shifted to a predictable style of play, lacking the dynamic edge it once had.
Current coach Aaqib Javed emphasized a focus on continuity and a settled ODI team leading into the Champions Trophy. However, Aaqib, who quickly transitioned from bowling coach to head coach, faces challenges from late changes made by the selection panel he remains part of. Notably, dropping standout players like Abdullah Shafique has raised eyebrows as they shuffled the team noticeably.
The addition of players like Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf, who have had minimal recent playtime, has complicated team dynamics. Additionally, key bowlers such as Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have struggled to meet expectations despite their potential. Afridi’s recent figures reflect underwhelming performances, revealing a collective failure to execute plans effectively against top opponents.
Akram remarked on the absence of the aggressive, fearless qualities that once characterized Pakistan cricket: “Characters are missing. The fearless, aggressive attitude is missing. We are getting used to being ordinary.” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing decline of a cricketing legacy that, once formidable, now appears troublingly stagnant and ordinary.
Pakistan’s cricketing woes stem from structural instability, a lack of talent, and poor decision-making within the team’s management. Their historical prowess in international cricket has dulled, resulting in successive failures in major tournaments. The departure from dynamic play and a fearlessness has shifted the team from extraordinary to ordinary, with the road ahead for revival appearing daunting without significant reforms and a commitment to fostering talent and consistency.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
