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A surprising video surfaced showing Pakistan cricket team players conducting fielding drills on mattresses. Among them were prominent players like Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, prompting criticism from Pakistan fans who questioned the standards of fielding despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) boasting a net worth of $55 million and ranking as the fourth richest cricket board globally.
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The fielding drill was conducted by Pakistan Shaheens head coach Mohammad Masroor during a pre-season fitness camp held in Karachi. Criticism from netizens followed, attributing such drills to the team’s perceived low fielding standards.
Recently, the Pakistan cricket team faced disappointment in the T20 World Cup 2024, exiting during the group stage. Despite victories over Canada and Ireland after initial losses to the USA and India, Pakistan couldn’t progress to the Super 8 stage.
The defeat to the USA, especially via a Super Over loss, was particularly disheartening, given Pakistan’s expectation to defeat a less-experienced team. Their subsequent match against arch-rivals India saw them come close but ultimately lose by a margin of 6 runs.
Pakistan’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 was marred by batting failures despite commendable bowling efforts. Captain Babar Azam managed 122 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 101.66, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 110 runs at a strike rate of 90.90.
Following the disappointing campaign, questions have arisen regarding Babar Azam’s leadership. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised significant changes, referring to a ‘major surgery’ for the team.
Pakistan now has a period to regroup before their next international commitments. This respite will be crucial for them to recover from their disappointing World Cup and prepare effectively for upcoming series.
Next on Pakistan’s agenda is a tour to Australia in November, featuring both ODI and T20I series. The ODI matches hold particular significance as Pakistan gears up to host the Champions Trophy in 2025.
The T20 World Cup 2024 concluded on June 29 with India emerging victorious by defeating South Africa by 7 runs in the final. India had an outstanding campaign, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match in the final for his impressive 76 off 59 balls. Meanwhile, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah earned the Player of the Tournament award for his remarkable performance, claiming 15 wickets in 8 matches at an exceptional economy rate of 4.17.
