Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh in the first Test has stirred tension within the team, with captain Shan Masood and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi clashing. The team’s dismal performance, being bowled out for 163, led to a blame game in the dressing room. Masood criticized the pace attack’s lack of speed, particularly pointing out Afridi’s slower deliveries.
The discord escalated as Afridi defended himself by highlighting the batting unit’s failure to secure a first-innings lead. Masood, who struggled with scores of nine and two in the Test, faced criticism for his own performance. Additionally, Pakistan incurred penalties for a slow over rate, affecting their standing in the World Test Championship.
The coaching staff also scrutinized senior player Mohammad Rizwan for a reckless shot that cost Pakistan a crucial advantage in the first innings. Despite calls for changes in the lineup, the management opted to retain the current squad for the upcoming Test match. Pakistan is set to make adjustments for the second Test, including the return of Babar Azam and the inclusion of Khurram Shahzad.
