 "Pakistan legends rip into Test team after series loss to Bangladesh: 'The future is not very bright for us'")
Under-fire Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood put up a brave face after the team’s first Test series loss against Bangladesh, also at home, but the former cricketers ripped into the side saying the “future is not very bright for us”. After losing the first Test at Rawalpindi, Bangladesh’s first win over Pakistan in the longest format of the game, the hosts succumbed to a six-wicket loss in the second Test to allow the Tigers to register a 2-0 series sweep.
Pakistan batted first on a green track in Rawalpindi for the second Test and scored 274. They also had Bangladesh reeling at 26/6 in the Tiger’s first innings before Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put up a partnership of 165 runs to swing the momentum in their favour. Pakistan were bowled out for 172 in their second innings and Bangladesh completed the task with a loss of just four wickets.
Read: What is wrong with Pakistan cricket?
Reflecting on the result, Masood admitted that Pakistan’s inability to close out matches is hurting them but also put up a brave face with England to visit the country in October for a three-match Test series.
“Extremely disappointed, we were excited for the home season. The story has been the same as Australia, we have not learnt our lessons. We taught we were playing good cricket in Australia but not doing the job, that’s something we need to work on. It has happened 4 times in my tenure that we have left the team back into the contest when we were dominating,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“It isn’t all doom and gloom, there are always learnings. We got Shaheen and Naseem back in the fold, Shaheen has played consistently for a year across formats and we can’t keep throwing him in the deep end. But we need to get fitter, neater and prepare better. It is going to be a long Test and domestic season and we need to be better prepared for England.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto proudly writes Bangladesh on the Rawalpindi Honours Board after sealing a historic 2-0 series victory over Pakistan. 🫶 🇧🇩
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 3, 2024
PC: PCB#BCB #Cricket #BDCricket #Bangladesh #PAKvBAN #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/QWC3AAVVbu
Masood’s arguments, however, fell on deaf ears as far as former Pakistan cricketers and experts are concerned.
Former batter Ahmed Shehzad slammed the Pakistan batters for their collapse and inability to handle Bangladesh pacers.
“If you can’t handle a bit of pace and movement even at home then the future is not very bright for us,” he said.
“The political condition of their country is not so good. They came, practised in your backyard, and said ‘ami tomake bhalobasi (‘I love you’ in Bengali language), and whitewashed you with that love,” added Shehzad.
“What (brilliant) cricket they have played, how well they have dominated, the way they have batted, bowled…The grit that is required in Test cricket, their batters showed and taught you that. Their bowlers have taught you what disciplined bowling is,” said Shehzad.
Read: Pakistan coach defends captain Masood
Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq also laid the blame on Pakistan batters.
“Home series were always considered our best chance of beating the best sides in the past. But for this to happen the batsmen need to get runs,” he said.
Legendary batter Younis Khan felt that the problem with Pakistan batters is more mental than anything else.
“Our batters have got runs in the past but right now I think they need mental strengthening and a clear mind to overcome this crisis,” he said.
Former Test captain Javed Miandad said: “It is hurting that our cricket has come to this stage. Bangladesh deserve credit for their disciplined performances. But the way our batting has collapsed in this series is a bad sign.”
“I wouldn’t just blame the players because whatever has happened in the board (PCB) in the last one and half years and the captaincy and management changes have affected the team.”
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
