The Pakistan cricket team is currently facing a challenging phase, marked by a series of disappointing performances. Over the past year, the team has struggled to find its footing, with even lesser-known teams managing to secure victories against them. The situation deteriorated further when Pakistan faced defeats against Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup and the USA in the T20 World Cup. Most recently, they suffered a historic loss to Bangladesh in the Test format—this marked their first Test defeat against Bangladesh. In response to this setback, just one day after the defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant decision by appointing five former cricket legends as mentors.
PCB’s Decision on Mentorship
The alarming decline in Pakistan’s performance has attracted considerable criticism from former cricketers who argue that the current players lack the necessary skills to compete at the international level. They have attributed this lack of competence to the failing domestic cricket structure in Pakistan, emphasizing that improvements are crucial for the game’s future in the country. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the selection process, particularly the exclusion of high-performing domestic players from the national team. Considering these issues, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has introduced this strategic decision to counter the declining trend.
| Mentor Name | Role | Contract Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Misbah-ul-Haq | Mentor | 3 years |
| Waqar Younis | Mentor | 3 years |
| Shoaib Malik | Mentor | 3 years |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed | Mentor | 3 years |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | Mentor | 3 years |
Pakistan’s Struggles at Home
Pakistan’s cricket team has been searching for victory at home, where it’s faced mounting pressure to perform. Over the last 30 months, they have played nine matches on home soil, with a staggering five losses and four drawn games. The loss to Bangladesh significantly heightened concerns about the team’s capabilities. Many former cricket stars, including Shahid Afridi, have pointed to deep-rooted issues within the team, while international players like Kevin Pietersen have also expressed their worries regarding the state of Pakistan cricket.
Looking Forward
The PCB’s decision to appoint these veteran mentors comes at a critical juncture, as the team needs guidance and expertise to turn around its fortunes. With a focus on enhancing the skills of emerging talents and reshaping the domestic cricket infrastructure, these mentors are expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Pakistan cricket. As the Champions Cup approaches, all eyes will be on these developments and the potential impact on the players and the game’s future in Pakistan.
