(Source X)
The Pakistani cricket community is currently in a state of frustration. Former players are expressing their anger and demanding that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) find a permanent resolution. This dissatisfaction stems from Pakistan’s 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi, marking the first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh.
Ramiz Raja, the former captain and ex-PCB chief, has strongly criticized the management for their selection decisions in the match. On his YouTube channel, Raja questioned the rationale behind choosing four fast bowlers and no specialist spinners for a game where the Bangladesh spinners significantly disrupted Pakistan’s performance. The Bangladeshi spinners took nine of Pakistan’s 16 wickets, with seven of those falling in the second innings.
“Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished. This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack,” Raja said.
“Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set. The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative while our bowlers were involved in more drama around their wickets. Since Pakistan did not have an out-and-out fast bowler on that track, even Bangladesh, with that line-up stood tall against our pacers with speeds around 125 to 135kmph,” he added.
Masood didn’t read the conditions well
Raja also criticized Shan Masood for his subpar batting performance, suggesting that the Pakistan captain needs to improve in this area.
“Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. I felt, in Australian conditions things are tougher and the Pakistan team couldn’t win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions, against a team like Bangladesh, because you did not read the conditions well.
“Neither did the batters apply themselves and the bowlers were horrendous. Masood needs to improve his batting and needs to show that you have some knowledge of the game.
“He needs to work on his batting. It’s not like he is a great captain and so if he keeps getting out ducks, he would still have his place in the side. Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side. You cannot lose the series. Pakistan cricket is already under a lot of pressure. A series loss would mean tension in the dressing room, there will be a lot of criticism and questions raised,” he said.
