Pakistan’s cricket team faced embarrassment at the 2024 T20 World Cup as they were knocked out in the first round, marking their earliest exit from the tournament. The team’s poor performance was attributed to internal discord, biased selection, and poor management decisions. Former players and media outlets criticized the team for favoritism in player selection and alleged that some players were chosen based on friendship rather than merit.
Former captain Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance and called for a complete overhaul of the squad. He highlighted the lack of accountability among players, who believed they would not face consequences for underperforming. The team’s loss to the USA, followed by a defeat to arch-rivals India, further fueled criticism of the team’s selection process and internal conflicts.
Fans and analysts joined in on the criticism, pointing out that key players were left out of the squad in favor of less deserving candidates. The team’s warm-up matches also raised concerns as they suffered defeats to Ireland and England, indicating a lack of preparation and teamwork. The Pakistani media highlighted the poor administrative and selection decisions leading up to the World Cup as major factors contributing to the team’s failure.
The disappointment among Pakistani fans was palpable, with many expressing their frustration over the team’s performance. Calls for a major shake-up in both the team and management were echoed by supporters and former players alike. The Pakistan Cricket Board chairman acknowledged the need for significant changes and vowed to make the team one of the best in the world. However, some critics argued that the PCB itself was to blame for the team’s shortcomings and called for accountability within the board.
Moving forward, Pakistan’s cricket team faces a critical juncture as they prepare to host the Champions Trophy next year. The pressure is on for the team and management to address the issues that led to their early exit from the T20 World Cup. Calls for transparency, fairness in selection, and improved team dynamics have been made in hopes of restoring the team’s reputation and regaining the trust of fans. Only time will tell if Pakistan can bounce back from this disappointing tournament and emerge as a competitive force in international cricket once again.
