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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to address disciplinary concerns involving players from the national cricket team. A dedicated committee has been established by the PCB to carefully deliberate on appropriate measures for players who violate team discipline.
This move by the PCB follows internal discord within the team, particularly after a disappointing showing at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggest that tensions arose between Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam during the tournament, which ended in a group stage exit for Pakistan.
The team, under Babar Azam’s leadership, faced a shock defeat to the United States in their opening match and narrowly lost to India by 6 runs in a 120-run chase. Consequently, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions were eliminated without making it past the Super Eight stage.
Following a lackluster performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam resigned as captain. Shaheen Afridi briefly took over the T20 captaincy but was soon replaced after just one series. Babar was reinstated before the T20 World Cup, which fueled speculation about team cohesion.
Pakistan Cricket Board poised to address disciplinary issues.
Samaa TV reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to examine three comprehensive reports on player behavior, prepared by the head coach, team manager, and an independent intelligence agency. This review follows concerns about internal issues stemming from recent subpar performances.
A specialized committee has been set up to scrutinize these reports meticulously. As per media sources, the committee will be chaired by a former captain, who will oversee the determination of any necessary disciplinary measures.
The committee’s recommendations will be crucial in deciding the appropriate actions for players who violate team conduct. The aim is to ensure that all decisions are just and based on a detailed assessment of the evidence presented.
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their next series.
Pakistan will soon return to the field with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. The series kicks off with the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 21, followed by the second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
This upcoming Test series is pivotal for Pakistan in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Currently, Pakistan is positioned fifth in the WTC standings, holding a Points Percentage of 36.66, having achieved two wins from five matches so far.
In addition to this series, Pakistan will be hosting England and the West Indies for a Test series, as well as South Africa and New Zealand for an ODI tri-series. These matches are crucial preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled for February-March next year. The Men in Green have a busy calendar leading up to the ICC event.
