(AP Photo)
Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board may face challenges implementing significant changes to the national team following their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup. This reluctance stems from potential resistance by senior players, potentially leading to confrontation.
The PCB’s governing board is scheduled to convene soon to review reports submitted by white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and senior team manager Wahab Riaz to chairman Mohsin Naqvi. However, sources suggest that only superficial changes are likely to be made, with the same group of players expected to continue.
Following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the World Cup, Naqvi had previously emphasized the need for a “major overhaul” within the team, indicating a desire for substantial changes.
“The reports by Kirsten and Riaz will help the Governing Board and chairman Naqvi decide the next course of action but all indications are there Naqvi doesn’t want a confrontation with senior players and he has also been advised against massive changes in the team,” a source told PTI.
“There are so many outside voices and pressures from within the system that all this talk about big changes is unlikely to happen. So, basically, with a few changes, the same set of players will be in the Pakistan team for coming games as well in all formats,” he added.
Regarding Babar Azam’s future as white-ball captain after the disappointing T20 World Cup, a source noted that there’s a faction, including former Test captains, advocating for Shaheen Afridi to replace him. However, if changes are made, Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan are seen as the leading candidates for captaincy.
“You could see cosmetic changes, like changes in the selection committee, and the same old story of reorganising domestic cricket to help do damage control. But the senior players remain strong,” he said.
Kirsten’s report reportedly echoes the feedback he provided directly to players in the dressing room after Pakistan’s match against Ireland in the Group stage of the T20 World Cup.
Following defeats to the USA and India, Kirsten cautioned senior players about the need to adapt to new skills and enhance their game awareness to stay competitive. Meanwhile, Wahab highlighted interpersonal conflicts within the team during the World Cup.
Looking ahead, Pakistan is scheduled to participate in a two-Test series against Bangladesh followed by three Tests against England. It seems improbable that senior players like Babar and Rizwan would opt to skip these upcoming assignments.
