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**KARACHI: Pakistan’s former cricketing stars attributed the Asian powerhouse’s early exit from the Twenty20 World Cup to team discord and allegations of biased selection.
The 2009 champions faced a humiliating elimination after the USA-Ireland match was abandoned due to rain, marking Pakistan's earliest-ever exit from a T20 World Cup. Their campaign included a surprising loss to debutants USA and a defeat against arch-rivals India, with their sole victory coming against Canada.
“Pakistani players believe that if they underperform, coaches will be sacked, while they themselves will face no consequences,” remarked former captain Wasim Akram during a broadcast following the India defeat. “It's time to retain the coaches and overhaul the entire team.”
Throughout the tournament, the squad faced accusations of internal strife, with concerns that certain players were selected due to favoritism rather than merit.
Fans and analysts criticized the team management for questionable player choices at the World Cup.
Former player Kamran Akmal criticized the selection of Shadab Khan, alleging he was picked due to his closeness to captain Babar Azam, which sidelined leg-spinner Usama Mir, the leading wicket-taker in this year's Pakistan Super League.
“When players are chosen based on personal relationships, such outcomes are inevitable,” Akmal told AFP. “Usama deserved a place in the squad... It was a great injustice.”
Controversies over team selection marred Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup, including losses to Ireland and England, and a drawn series against a weakened New Zealand.
The 2024 tournament marked a stark decline for Pakistan from their runner-up finish in the previous World Cup.
“I am dismayed and will not follow the World Cup anymore,” expressed Mohammad Asim, a disillusioned Pakistani fan. “The team selection was biased and influenced by friendships,” added the 19-year-old university student.
Salim, a taxi driver, declared the team “finished” after losing to a newcomer like the USA.
Pakistan is set to host the next year's Champions Trophy, prompting calls for sweeping changes in both team composition and management.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also the country’s interior minister, acknowledged the need for significant reforms.
“The Pakistan team requires major surgery,” he asserted to local media post the India match. “We aim to elevate the Pakistani cricket team to global excellence. Such underwhelming performances are unacceptable to the nation.”
However, one former captain placed responsibility on the PCB itself.
“Before pointing fingers at the players, the PCB and its decision-makers should be held accountable,” wrote Rashid Latif on the social media platform X. “They are responsible for selecting the team. Heads must roll, but will they?”
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