- People closely following the fortunes of world cricket, viz. connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, and crazy fans, would voice in unison that the standard of Test matches being played by Pakistan has nosedived dangerously in the last couple of years. Mind you, Pakistan is always considered one of the strongest cricket-playing nations, offering formidable challenges to any opposition worth their salt. They have been a force to reckon with in the cricketing firmament for a very long time in all formats of the game, including the classical one. Some of the biggest names to have played the game originate from Pakistan. Team Pakistan is always endowed with match-winners, furthering the spread of the game around the world through memorable exploits on the field. Not anymore.
PC: Business Standard
- As we reminisce about the history of Pakistani cricket, we are reminded of how they have been crowned 50-Over World Cup champions as well as T20 World Cup champions in the past. The sight of charging Pakistani fast bowlers like Imran Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar is a delightful occurrence for true admirers of the game. Not to mention excellent spin bowlers like Abdul Qadir, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Mushtaq Ahmed, just to name a few. Equally proficient and renowned batters like Zahir Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Younus, and Younis Khan, among many, have showcased their brilliance consistently over a period in the past. The legacy of Pakistani cricketers is praiseworthy.
PC: India TV News
- However, what was once a formidable force competing against the best in the business on an equal keel has gradually/steadily appeared to have fallen in recent times courtesy of various factors. The constant changes witnessed in the governing structure of the Pakistani board, with rampant political interference, have had a telling effect on the overall performance of the team itself in every format. Most alarmingly, the Test side simply doesn’t look like a part of the top teams competing for glory of late. The standards are not worthy of even a mention, as the opposing teams are able to steamroll the Pakistani side without breaking into a sweat. Any thoroughbred cricket fan would be wondering in amazement at the steep fall in performance.
PC: Yahoo Sports
- Bangladesh won the two-match Test series 2-0 held in Bangladesh in recent times. The touring Pakistani side has already lost the three-match Test series against England, with the first two Tests won handsomely by the hosts. The meek capitulation and the way the hosts have completely dominated the visiting side speak volumes about the Pakistani side’s inability to compete against a top side like England. Little wonder the former England captain Michael Vaughan described the touring side as substandard, resembling the second division county cricket team. English fast bowlers are salivating at the prospect of gobbling up Pakistani batters who are loath to offer a semblance of fight to take the Test matches deep. It’s a sad situation in Pakistan cricket.
