Former Pakistan cricket stars expressed disappointment over the national team’s poor performance against a weakened Australian side in the first two matches of the ODI series in Lahore. The team’s 41-run loss in the second ODI led to a 0-2 deficit in the three-match series, following a recent Test series whitewash in Bangladesh.
Critics, including former captain Rashid Latif, attributed the decline to incorrect player selection and a lack of game awareness. Latif criticized the selection process, describing it as flawed and resulting in a peculiar team composition.
Australia, missing key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, managed to defeat Pakistan, prompting former pacer Sikander Bakht to label the performance as “pathetic.” Bakht highlighted the presence of inexperienced players in the squad as a concerning trend.
Former captain Latif called for accountability within the Pakistan Cricket Board, emphasizing the need for better management decisions. He criticized the team’s reliance on spin-friendly pitches, which backfired in the series.
Pakistan’s use of T20 players in ODIs was also questioned, with concerns raised about the team’s batting quality and defensive capabilities. The former players acknowledged Australia’s strategic preparation and urged introspection within the Pakistan team.
