Ahmed Shehzad criticizes PCB amid the team's downfall
What's the story
Ahmed Shehzad, the sidelined Pakistani cricketer, has expressed his disappointment over the current state of Pakistan's cricket team. This comes in response to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's shock at the team's recent poor against Bangladesh. Shehzad used his YouTube channel as a platform for his critique, stating "Why are you surprised Ashwin? Don't worry, everything is fine here." He went on to sarcastically highlight ongoing infrastructure developments in Pakistan. Pakistan recently lost the two-Test home series to Bangladesh.
Tournament critique
Shehzad questions effectiveness of Champions One-Day Cup
Shehzad further questioned the impact of the Champions One-Day Cup on Pakistan's cricket scene. He sarcastically asked, "Are you not seeing that Pakistan is organizing a cup? (Champions One-Day Cup). Just wait and watch the number of players who come out of this tournament." His comments suggest skepticism about whether this event will significantly improve the country's cricketing fortunes.
Internal issues
Shehzad highlights groupism as a factor in team's poor performance
Shehzad also pointed out groupism within the team as a contributing factor to their recent failures. He stated, "So what if there is groupism in our team? So what if the current players in the team are not performing?" This statement underscores his belief that internal divisions and underperformance are undermining Pakistan's cricketing success.
Ongoing criticism
Shehzad's history of criticizing PCB
Shehzad has a history of criticizing the PCB, accusing it of favoritism and broken promises. He had previously refused to participate in the Champions Cup owing to "favoritism, false promises, and injustice" within the system, as described by him. His latest comments continue this trend of vocal criticism against the PCB.
Captain's plight
Ashwin expresses sympathy for Pakistan's captain
Earlier, Ashwin expressed his sympathy for Pakistan's Shan Masood, who awaits his maiden Test win as captain since taking over from Babar Azam. He said, "I feel terribly bad for someone like Shan Masood. He is a very smart cricketer." Ashwin suggested that leading the team at this point could be challenging due to potential issues within the dressing room. Under Masood, Pakistan were routed 0-2 by Bangladesh in the Test series on home soil.