The Pakistan cricket team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy has sparked criticism, especially after defeats to New Zealand and India. Former captain Sana Mir expressed that even legendary leaders like MS Dhoni or Younis Khan could not salvage this struggling squad. She cited the team’s selection as a major issue, arguing they were poorly equipped for conditions, particularly with only two part-time spinners. Sana also questioned the omission of player Mohammad Haris, highlighting issues with selection criteria. She emphasized the need for reform in the Pakistan Cricket Board, criticizing the concentration of power that hinders progress.
No player on the Pakistan cricket team appears to be secure following the unit’s premature exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. Due to losses against New Zealand and India in their two Group A matches, Pakistan has been eliminated from the semi-finals contention. Former captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Sana Mir, candidly expressed her views during a discussion with other ex-cricketers, stating that even an iconic captain like MS Dhoni or Younis Khan would have struggled to save this group of players.
Sana’s remarks came after Pakistan faced a dispiriting 6-wicket defeat to India in Dubai. Reflecting on her discussion with a friend during the match, she revealed that she foresaw the team’s decline the moment the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the 15-member squad.
“I received a message from a friend while we were watching the match [against India]. When the second wicket fell at 100, my friend remarked, ‘I think it’s over.’ I replied, ‘No, it was over when we announced the squad.’ We had already lost more than half of the tournament the day we selected these 15 players,” she stated on the Game On Hai show.
“Even if you made MS Dhoni or Younis Khan the captain – they wouldn’t be able to achieve anything with this team. It isn’t equipped for our conditions. As Hafeez bhai mentioned, one match was bound to take place in Dubai. So, how did we go in with just two part-time spinners? Abrar is still new to ODIs and has taken only two wickets in the last five months,” she added.
Mohammad Rizwan’s team has faced significant criticism for their repeated failures. Sana even questioned Mohammad Haris’ exclusion from the squad, suggesting he was dropped despite demonstrating ‘intent’.
“We talk about intent, and that lad always plays with intent. Yet, he gets dropped after a few poor performances in West Indies matches. What motivation does he have to play freely when selection depends on averages?”
Sana believes that certain individuals in the system wield ‘too much power’, which requires adjustment.
“Excessive power is not beneficial, nor is too little. If we continue to repeat the same mistakes, nothing will ever change. Unfortunately, each time there’s a shift in the PCB, one person dictates how domestic matters should be handled. The subordinates remain silent, and no real change occurs.”
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