Pakistan’s recent Test match loss to Bangladesh has triggered widespread criticism and intense scrutiny from cricket experts.
Bangladesh’s historic victory over Pakistan, their first-ever in Test cricket, has put the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team’s tactics under severe examination.
Here’s an in-depth look at the reactions from seasoned cricket commentators.
Despite declaring their first innings at 448-6, Pakistan were bowled out for just 146 in the second innings, leaving Bangladesh only 30 runs to secure a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Bangladesh’s openers, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, chased down the target within seven overs.
‘PCB Leadership to Blame’
Ahmad Shahzad blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leadership for the defeat, pointing to those working behind the scenes.
“I won’t blame the players. The responsibility lies with the PCB, its chief, and the advisors who have been influencing decisions for the past 10 to 12 years without being accountable,” he said.
Shahzad also stated that the current PCB management, including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, should be held responsible for the poor performance, as they continue to select players who prioritise personal records over team success.
Accountability of Senior Players
Senior journalist Abdul Majid Bhatti attributed the loss to overconfidence and poor planning, calling for accountability of senior players “who have underperformed in the last 12 to 14 matches.”
“We’re picking the Test team based on T20 performances and the T20 team based on ODI results,” he criticised the selectors.
Focus on ‘Personal Milestones’
Sports anchor Yahya Hussaini praised Bangladesh for their outstanding performance and pointed out that Pakistan’s decision to declare an innings backfired. He argued that the focus on individual achievements among Pakistani players led to the loss.
“Look at how their veterans performed—Mushfiqur Rahman rescued them in the first innings, and Shakib played his part with the ball to secure the win,” he said.
In contrast, he claimed, Pakistan’s players were more concerned with their personal statistics.