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The recent crushing defeat of the Pakistan cricket team against Bangladesh in the opening Test match has sparked widespread criticism, particularly aimed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Former head coach Mudassar Nazar, a trusted lieutenant of former captain Imran Khan, voiced his disappointment with the PCB officials, labeling them as a group of individuals plagued by confusion and a lack of learning from past errors.
Nazar's critique focused on the PCB's apparent lack of understanding regarding the suitability of fielding a four-pronged pace attack in Rawalpindi during August. He asserted that experienced cricketers in Pakistan recognize the tendency for pitches in Rawalpindi to transform into batting-friendly tracks after the initial few hours, a fact seemingly overlooked by the PCB. He also expressed surprise at the appointment of Waqar Younis as advisor on cricket, only to see him later assigned as mentor of a domestic team in the Champions Cup, highlighting the inconsistency in decision-making.
The former coach's comments underscore a growing concern over the recurring issues plaguing Pakistani cricket. The defeat to Bangladesh, a team traditionally considered weaker than Pakistan, has served as a stark reminder of the team's vulnerability and the need for introspection within the PCB. Nazar's recommendations for employing spinners instead of a pace-heavy attack in the match against Bangladesh further highlight the perceived lack of strategic planning and understanding of the game's nuances within the board.
Adding to the criticism, former Test opener Ahmed Shehzad echoed Nazar's concerns, calling the defeat a new low for Pakistan cricket. He expressed deep disappointment in the team's performance and warned of the potential for further decline if short-term decisions continue to be made. Shehzad's comments reflect the anxieties of fans and former players alike, who fear that the recent defeat might mark a turning point for Pakistan cricket, with potentially dire consequences for the team's future.
Source: 'PCB is a bunch of confused people', says former Pakistan head coach