Cricket
‘Pakistan Cricket Is A Mad World, Babar Azam-Shaheen Afridi Captaincy Conundrum Created Confusion’: Former PAK Head Coach
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its players, including skipper Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi, are under immense pressure before the important match against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. The comments of their former coach highlight the deep-rooted systemic problems in Pakistan cricket that need urgent solutions but need a collective approach.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi during a T20 World Cup match.
Pakistan’s former Director of cricket has weighed in on the team’s recent struggles, calling Pakistan cricket a “mad world” and criticising the handling of the captaincy situation. Arthur, who helped Pakistan win the Champions Trophy in 2017, has stirred controversy with his recent comments suggesting an atmosphere of distrust within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), explicitly mentioning a sense of unease due to potential backstabbing.
Stating his concern, Arthur said, “You never quite know in Pakistan; there is always somebody working behind your back. It’s a mad old world. But as long as you work hard and give 100 per cent, then you walk away with your head held high.”
“Pakistan cricket shoots itself in the foot. Because there is no stability, that’s reflected in how the players play. Consistency comes from a consistent environment; players know their roles. When it’s unstable, players start looking after their performances rather than the team’s. The system is so unstable,” he told PakPassion.
Arthur had previously urged the PCB to establish a system that fosters player trust in the structure and belief in the selection process.
Arthur’s observations on the Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi captaincy issue are also significant. “It all looked a bit befuddled. It just creates confusion with the players. But you don’t want to create animosity between them,” he remarked.
Shaheen Afridi‘s reign at the top lasted just four months as a series loss to New Zealand resulted in his sacking.
The pacer got just one series to prove his worth as a captain, as Babar was reappointed as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper in April.
Arthur’s comments have come at a time when the Pakistan cricket team is under enormous pressure due to a string of disappointing results. The national team’s underperformance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, including a loss to the USA, has been a major blow. This, combined with inconsistent selection choices, has led to frustration among fans and former players, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
Arthur was appointed Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team in April 2023 but resigned in January 2024.
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Rosehill, Winter Challenge day
 "BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions")
BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions
HORSE RACING DAY 5: Andrew Champagne’s picks, analysis, bankroll
HORSE RACING DAY 5: Andrew Champagne’s picks, analysis, bankroll
600 Jobs, 25,000 Seekers: Air India Drive Sets Off Stampede Fear In Mumbai
More Trips, Higher Prices: Business Travel Spending May Finally Top 2019 Levels
Let’s take this offline: why indie fashion boutiques are back in fashion
Blue Jays balance college-heavy Draft with a few high-upside picks
Get to Know Gopher Men’s Basketball’s Frank Mitchell – University of Minnesota Athletics
