The Pakistan Cricket team at the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 is going through a tough phase. Three losses in a row at the Cricket World Cup in India has left the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team on the brink of exit. In five matches, 1992 World Cup champions Pakistan have lost three and faces almost a must-win situation in their remaining four matches. They next face South Africa on Friday. Former stars have been bashing Pakistan cricket team after their latest defeat against Afghanistan.
The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan are still an evolving force in world cricket and a loss against them would rankle for a long time. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, who has served as the side's selector too, had an interesting remedy following the poor show.
"If you want to improve Pakistan cricket, best thing would be ab koi match na jeete (don't win any more matches). If they starting getting in form, they will repeat the same thing," Kamran Akmal said on ARY News.
"What are you saying!! I cant see Pakistan lose," asked the stunned anchor who was conducting the show.
"It's not about losing. That way their ego won't come in the way," replied Kamran Akmal.
Former Pakistan players tore into captain Babar Azam and other players for their poor performance in the tournament. Aaqib Javed was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that Shaheen Shah Afridi should be made Pakistan captain in the white ball formats in place of Babar.
"Shaheen is the best bet for the future of Pakistan cricket. Babar has failed to prove himself as an able captain in white ball formats," the former pacer said.
Aaqib who is the Director and head coach of PSL team Lahore Qalandars for which Shaheen, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique play also criticised all other players except Rauf for not coming to the party against Afghanistan.
Pakistan now have to win all their remaining four games against England, South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh to stand any chance of qualifying for the semifinals.
"The fielding and body language of the players was very poor and unconvincing (against Afghanistan). They just didn't appear capable of defending 283 which is not a small total. The bowling was ordinary and the fielding levels were pathetic," Wasim Akram said.
With PTI inputs