Ahmed Shehzad has been very vocal about the shortcomings of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. The team could not qualify for the Super 8s after a disappointing loss against the USA and India and got disqualified in the group stage only.
Coach Gary Kirsten’s comment on the dressing room atmosphere, factions and lack of intent in teamwork had gone viral among fans and experts. Shehzad speaking on the topic criticised the team management and players, specially the skipper Babar Azam.
The team has faced a lot of controversy recently on and off the field. After Shaheen Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam as captain there was news of a rift between the two, there were reports of even Rizwan not being on good terms with PCB for not considering him for captaincy.
What Ahmed Shehzad Said
In a tweet on X Ahmed wrote,
“If Gary Kirsten’s team talk is true, it’s not shocking at all. We have been saying this throughout the World Cup. It’s time for accountability, this team is plagued with grouping and crackdown is the only option. The players involved must be punished and an example should be set for next generation of cricketers. PCB chairman must take notice.”
Pakistan is known for its players putting themselves before the team. Shoaib Akhtar and Inzamam-ul-Haq also mentioned this problem and suggested the team to play as a team rather than as individuals.
Babar Azam on Team Play
After Pakistan’s exit from the mega event PAK captain Babar Azam commented in a post-match press conference on team play and it indicated that the dressing room is not united as a team.
He said,
“We didn’t play as a team. This is not because of an individual as we lost as a team. It’s not just the captain. I cannot play for every player as there are 11 players. They are in the World Cup because each player has an assigned role. The execution wasn’t there and we have to sit down and work out what needs to be done. I accept that we didn’t play as a team.”
The PCB has a lot to think about, take action for the better future of the team. Babar’s captaincy is in the hands of the board but there is as of now no clarification by the board on how they would handle the situation.