(Source X)
Ahmed Shehzad strongly criticized the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team for what he perceived as a lack of respect towards the fans’ sentiments following their disappointing performances in the T20 World Cup 2024. He expressed dismay that upon their return to Pakistan after the tournament, the players were seen smiling and seemingly unaffected by their poor results.
Pakistan endured a dismal outing in the T20 World Cup, marked by significant defeats and a shocking loss to the United States of America in a Super over, which Shehzad described as one of cricket’s biggest upsets. The team’s subsequent loss to India further compounded their struggles, resulting in their failure to progress to the Super 8 stage.
Shehzad highlighted that instead of reflecting on their performances, some Pakistan players chose to go on holidays, a decision that drew widespread criticism. He emphasized that their demeanor upon returning home, seemingly oblivious to the disappointment of their fans, was disrespectful.
Speaking to a TV channel, Shehzad lamented the players’ apparent lack of awareness, suggesting they were adding insult to injury by their carefree behavior and expressed disappointment over their actions post-tournament.
“Representing Pakistan is a big thing. And when they give good performances, we should be happy and we are happy. And it’s not meant to be shown. But when you’ve played such cricket, and you haven’t won anything in the last 4-5 years, you can’t get out of your grief. The World Cup is a big thing. People dream of playing in the World Cup. To be a part of the Pakistan team. And playing in the World Cup is a big thing.
“After that, I’ve seen some players with a proper DSLR camera, they’ve returned after 4 days. Wounds are still fresh, and people’s grief is fresh. They’re getting pictures taken of club cricket, and they’re making it viral, and they’re giving it to journalists, and they’re telling them that they’ve scored so many runs. They are coming to the airport. When a person comes to the airport, he bows his head and leaves. And he tries to sit in his car. Now, they are smiling, laughing. Now, they are sprinkling more salt on people’s grief. So, there should be a little sense prevailing here. Those who are guiding them, at least tell them how you’re going to live for a month or two, and what you’re going to do.”
Ahmed Shehzad emphasized that when a team’s performance isn’t satisfactory, they should at least display a sense of remorse or disappointment. He expressed frustration that the Pakistan team’s behavior, particularly some players posting pictures on social media while playing club cricket, has upset fans who are deeply disappointed with their recent performances.
Shehzad highlighted that the public sentiment towards the team’s actions post-tournament has been overwhelmingly negative. He criticized the lack of acknowledgment or reflection on their poor showing, suggesting that it’s important for players to recognize and address the disappointment felt by supporters.
“Because people don’t like what they’re doing. At least, we don’t like it. And whoever we’re talking to, because a person has so much grief as an athlete, that you dream. I’ve said this before, we play cricket to win the ICC events and not the bilateral. And if the performance doesn’t go well, at least there should be a grief show. They should connect with people should, that, yes, they’re very sad, they’re in a lot of grief.
“It’s not just us. And when you come and give gestures like this, someone has entered the club to show off, and the pictures are coming out. What’s the point? Why didn’t these pictures come out earlier while playing club cricket? Now, what’s the point? So, this is what we’ve been talking about, that all these things, through media, PR media, through PR agencies, all these things are not right. People are not liking anything at this time. Think about it,” he concluded.
