Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq has unleashed a scathing critique in the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. Expressing his concerns, Razzaq claimed that there is a lack of intention to polish the national cricket team and nurture player development within the cricketing system.
Pakistan’s subpar performance in the World Cup has ignited a wave of questions and criticisms aimed at various facets of the team, including management, coaching staff, players, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Notably, Babar Azam’s leadership role and Micky Arthur’s coaching position are facing intense scrutiny.
Razzaq, not mincing his words, questioned the team’s underlying intentions, emphasizing the need to clarify objectives before initiating any corrective actions. Drawing from his playing days, Razzaq cited the example of former captain Younis Khan, stating that knowing Khan’s commitment to the team motivated him to deliver his best on the field.
“When I talk about intentions, I knew my captain, Younis Khan, had good intentions. I took confidence from this thing; if my captain’s intentions were good and if he wanted to do good for the team, then I also got the motivation to deliver for my team,” explained Razzaq during a recent event.
He went on to criticize the prevalent lack of positive intentions within the Pakistan Cricket Team, pointing out the absence of a genuine effort to refine the team and foster player growth. Using a symbolic analogy, Razzaq stressed the importance of setting clear intentions.
He explained, “There are lots of talks about the Pakistan Cricket Team and players; the thing is, we don’t have good intentions to polish the team and develop the players. If your thinking is, ‘I would marry Aishwarya Rai and then get a good baby from her’, this won’t happen. You need to correct your intentions.”
In a surprising turn, Razzaq commended the India Cricket Team for their strategic use of home conditions in the World Cup. Acknowledging their adept game plan against South Africa, he highlighted India’s dominance in the league stage.
He remarked, “India is making the most of the home condition. The way they started against South Africa in the first ten overs gave them the edge. Then, from 11 to 30, they were happy taking three runs per over. In the last 10 overs, they again upped the ante. They knew on this pitch 250 would be enough, but still played the aggressive brand of cricket.”
As India gears up for the semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the critique from former players like Abdul Razzaq raises pertinent questions about the underlying issues within Pakistan Cricket and the imperative need for a strategic overhaul.
