Pakistan Cricket finds itself in a precarious position following a string of setbacks. According to reports in Pakistani media, senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi might face downgrades in their central contracts for the 2024-25 season.
This potential shakeup comes on the heels of the team’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s group stage exit, which included losses to both the United States and India, exposed their vulnerabilities and sparked widespread criticism. Their failure to reach the Super 8 stage marked a low point for the team, raising questions about strategy, team composition, and individual performances. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears to be taking a critical look at the team and its leadership. The potential demotion of these three key players signifies a willingness to address shortcomings and potentially implement significant changes. Whether these measures translate into improved on-field results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Pakistan Cricket is at a crossroads, and the coming months could see a significant shift in direction.
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Post a disappointing run in the T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a bold statement, vowing to ‘perform surgery’ on the team to rectify the issues. He started by dismissing Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the PCB selection committee. In addition to the demotion in contracts, there were reports indicating discord between senior players and the PCB. The board’s refusal to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to key players for participation in foreign leagues has caused financial strain on the players. The PCB has specifically denied NOCs to Naseem Shah for the Hundred, and to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 League in Canada. The board is concerned that participating in these leagues could lead to injuries, potentially disrupting Pakistan’s team combination.
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PCB is making a controversial decision. Even though there are no scheduling conflicts between upcoming international matches and franchise leagues, the PCB is likely to reject players’ requests for No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This could create tension between the players and the board, as players stand to lose significant income by missing out on these lucrative leagues.
August 21st: A two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship.
October: A three-match Test series against England in Pakistan.
Following months: Tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. They will also host the West Indies, a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, the Champions Trophy, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
This packed schedule comes after a disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan is looking for a strong comeback and a chance to silence their critics. There’s still uncertainty about the team’s captaincy, particularly in white-ball cricket, as Babar Azam’s future remains unclear. Shan Masood is expected to retain his position as Test captain.
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